Barangay Ginebra blew a commanding lead before finally pulling out a first victory in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup as Greg Slaughter delivered the marginal free throws in a 93-92 decision of Alaska on Sunday morning (Manila time) at Al Wasl Sports Club in Dubai.
Slaughter’s free throws came off a controversial foul called on Alaska back-up center Nonoy Baclao with 4.1 seconds remaining.
The victory was the Gin Kings’ first under Tim Cone and averted the worst start in three years of any squad mentored by the multitled coach.
Coming into the contest that was witnessed by a jampacked crowd of OFWs, Cone was in his third straight 0-2 start to a season.
“We hung on for dear life,” Cone said. “Alaska is so good at coming back, their pressure defense is so tough to overcome.”
The Aces came into the game fresh off a 98-94 win over Mahindra 24 hours before and were shooting for the solo lead.
Tired from that tough grind against the Enforcers, the Aces still worked off their tails even after falling behind by 19 points in the first half.
They still had a chance to win until Vic Manuel and JV Casio missed potential game-winning tries.
The loss was the first in four games for the Aces, who will plane back to Manila holding at least second place behind idle Rain or Shine, which is at 3-0.
Slaughter finished with 27 points and got a lot of help this time, with Japeth Aguilar shooting 23 and LA Tenorio and Mark Caguioa combining for 25.
“Ginebra really came out and really beat us up,” Alaska coach Alex Compton said.
Calvin Abueva paced the Aces with 23 points.
The scores:
GINEBRA 93—Slaughter 27, Aguilar 23, Tenorio 14, Caguioa 11, Thompson 8, Marcelo 4, Borndial 2, Devance 2, Ellis 1, Mercado 1.
ALASKA 92—Abueva 23, Hontiveros 15, Manuel 14, Jazul 9, Baclao 6, Menk 6, Baguio 4, Exciminiano 4, Thoss 4, Casio 3, dela Cruz 2, dela Rosa 2, Banchero 0, Magat 0.
Quarters: 24-21, 56-37, 75-66, 93-92