Ginebra picks up slack late, downs Blackwater

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Ginebra used a late spurt to grind out an 89-79 victory over Blackwater Sunday in the 2016 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Philsports Arena.

Othyus Jeffers led the cavalry with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, while LA Tenorio provided the stability for coach Tim Cone with 20 markers, eight assists, and four boards.

“It wasn’t a pretty game by any means, but that’s ok,” said Cone, as the Gin Kings improved to 4-3.

Ginebra closed out the game on a 13-6 run, pulling away from a close 76-73 lead midway in the fourth period.

“We’re trying to learn how to play ugly and win ugly. That’s important to us because that’s what you have to do in the playoffs: to be able that kind of game, defensive-oriented, grind-it-out type of games, and those are the kind of games which makes you successful in the playoffs,” Cone said.

Ginebra’s twin towers were also on target today, with Greg Slaughter chipping in 16 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks, while Japeth Aguilar added 14 markers, eight boards, and three rejections.

MJ Rhett paced Blackwater (3-4) with a huge double-double of 24 points and 23 rebounds.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 89 – Jeffers 23, Tenorio 20, Slaughter 16, Aguilar 14, Mercado 5, Thompson 5, Devance 4, Caguioa 2, Cruz 0, Ellis 0, Helterbrand 0.
BLACKWATER 79 – Rhett 24, Lastimosa 19, Cortez 12, Dela Cruz 9, Gamalinda 4, Sena 4, Cervantes 3, Erram 2, Tiongson 2, Golla 0, Reyes 0.

Quarters: 16-18, 35-32, 65-59, 89-79.