Ginebra finds its game in 2nd half to beat San Mig Coffee

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel leaned on a late surge to upend San Mig Coffee, 86-69, in the opener of the 39th PBA Philippine Cup Sunday before a jampacked crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“In the first half we were outhustled and I told the boys, that’s not our game and in the second half we were focused and our adjustments worked,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin, whose team came back from 12 points down early in the third period.

Japeth Aguilar led the way with 18 points to go along with eight rebounds and five blocks while top overall pick Greg Slaughter had quite a debut with 10 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks.

Returning forward Dylan Ababou, who was in and out of the lineup most of last season as he recovered from an ACL injury, looks to have gotten back his form with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists in just 17 minutes.

“He’s a good defender,” Agustin said of the former University of Santo Tomas ace Ababou.

Ababou did more than just defend as he boosted Ginebra’s offense with all of his points coming in the second half with nine in the final frame, where the Kings pulled away.

LA Tenorio also had a solid outing with 17 points and 10 assists while off-season acquisition JayR Reyes provided 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench.

Mark Barroca paced the shorthanded Mixers, who led, 48-36, early in the third quarter, with 14 points.

Ian Sangalang, the no.2 pick, got off to a strong start but cooled off in the latter portion to finish with eight points, four rebounds and two assists for San Mig Coffee, which missed the services of Joe Devance and PJ Simon due to injuries.

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