Ginebra escapes Alaska for 1st win behind Slaughter’s free throws
Greg Slaughter sank the game-winning free throws and Barangay Ginebra salvaged a 93-92 squeaker over Alaska in the 2016 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup early Sunday morning (Manila time) at Al Wasl Sports Club in Dubai.
Slaughter calmly buried the go-ahead freebies with 4.1 seconds left off a foul by Noy Baclao before Vic Manuel and JVee Casio missed potential game winners for the Aces as time ran out.
The 7-foot Slaughter put up big numbers anew and this time his 27-point, 19-rebound effort didn’t go to waste with the Kings picking up their first win under head coach Tim Cone after opening the season with a couple of embarrassing losses to Star and Barako Bull.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Aces trailed by 19 at the half before finding their way back behind Calvin Abueva and even taking a 92-91 edge following a tough basket by Vic Manuel with only 14.9 ticks to go.
Alaska absorbed its first loss after winning its first three assignments including a victory over Mahindra less than 24 hours ago also at the same venue.
Slaughter went 15-of-17 from the free throw line as he and Japeth Aguilar made use of their size advantage against Alaska’s solid but smaller frontline.
Article continues after this advertisementAguilar also recorded a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds.