PBA IMAGES
BIÑAN — Kevin Ferrer got going from downtown and sparked Ginebra’s 105-91 rout of Blackwater for its first win in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Alonte Sports Arena here.
The former UST Growling Tiger came off the bench and went on a 5-of-9 barrage from three to wound up with 21 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Ferrer’s hot-shooting kickstarted the Gin Kings’ second quarter pullaway as their 32 points in the frame built the 64-41 halftime advantage that extended to as big 26, 103-77, on a Japeth Aguilar layup.
“We got great shooting tonight from Kevin which makes a big difference. When you shoot the ball well, it makes the game a lot easier,” said coach Tim Cone.
Much maligned in Ginebra’s first two outings, Charles Garcia was finally able to showcase his game, dropping 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
Greg Slaughter also made his return from a severe ankle sprain and finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists in his first game since February.
Japeth Aguilar racked 13 points and eight rebounds, and Scottie Thompson also had 11 for Ginebra, which improved to 1-2 for the conference ahead of its game against Phoenix on Sunday.
Jarrid Famous wound up with 25 points and 17 rebounds, while Roi Sumang got 18 points and seven assists for the Elite.
Paul Zamar also dropped 15 on a 4-of-5 three-point shooting in his PBA debut, but that couldn’t halt Blackwater’s slide to 0-5.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 105 — Ferrer 21, Garcia 18, J. Aguilar 13, Slaughter 12, Thompson 11, Tenorio 10, Caguioa 8, Mercado 8, R. Aguilar 2, Devance 2, Caperal 0, Manuel 0, Mariano 0, Taha 0.
BLACKWATER 91 — Famous 25, Sumang 18, Zamar 15, Maliksi 10, Erram 8, DiGregorio 7, Belo 4, Marcelo 2, Palma 2, Cruz 0, Jose 0, Pinto 0, Sena 0.
Quarters: 32-27, 64-41, 87-65, 105-91.