Ginebra routs undermanned Talk ‘N Text in opening day

Matt Ganuelas Rosser of TNT w/ Ginebras Greg Slaughter at the Philippine Arena INQUIRE PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ

BOCAUE, Bulacan, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel won just one out of its seven preseason games but it took the Kings only a game to win their first in the 40th PBA Season.

Ginebra loosened up in the second half to beat a shorthanded Talk ‘N Text side, 101-81, Sunday night at the Philippine Arena here.

“I don’t wanna say underperformed but if you want to go by the record, it was really bad,” said Ginebra head coach Jeffrey Cariaso of his team’s preseason stint. “But it wasn’t about the record. It wasn’t about the losing. You work hard every day, you improve and when you stay with your system, the wins will follow.”

Japeth Aguilar gave the Tropang Texters fits on both ends as he finished with 18 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks.

“Tonight we were lucky to get a good performance from one to 15,” said Cariaso, whose squad had eight players with at least six points. “Our chemistry is improving and our understanding of what it takes to win is improving.”

Talk ‘N Text missed the services of its National team mainstays Ranidel de Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag, who is on the team’s reserved list, as both were given a time off after representing the country in the Fiba World Cup last August and in the Asian Games the following month.

The Kings played tight in the first half that had Cariaso visibly upset heading into the dugout.

Ginebra found its groove in the second half before it pulled away in the fourth quarter.

Greg Slaughter also notched a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Kings. Mac Baracael also scored 16.

Veteran forward Kelly Williams led all scorers with 20 points while Jayson Castro had 19 for TNT.

No. 2 pick Kevin Alas tallied 10 points in his PBA debut.

RELATED STORIES

Pacquiao’s Kia knocks out Blackwater in PBA opener

‘History to be made’ at ‘jaw-dropping’ Philippine Arena