Ginebra repulses Blackwater behind solid end-game showing

LA Tenorio, Mark Caguioa and Othyus Jeffers worked on a key run from a slim lead in the last five minutes of play and Barangay Ginebra repulsed Blackwater, 89-79, to close in on the leaders in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Sunday night.

Tenorio scored on a runner, Caguioa drained a short jumper then Jeffers strung up two charities and a twinner in an eight-to-nothing roll the Gin Kings unleashed to break the back of the Elite.

The crucial win had the Kings (4-3) breaking free from a heavy logjam at fourth place and closing in on the Alaska Milk Aces (5-1) and the Meralco Bolts (5-2).

Jeffers delivered 23 points, 14 rebounds and six assists while Tenorio piled up 20 markers, eight dole-outs
and four boards to lead the Kings in the grind-out win.

The Ginebra Twin Towers of Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar combined for 30 points and 17 rebounds helping Ginebra deal Blackwater a fourth loss against three wins.

“It wasn’t a pretty win by any means. But it’s ok as we’re trying to learn play ugly and win ugly. That’s what you do in the playoffs,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

“That’s the kind of play you have to learn to be successful in the playoffs. That’s we do, trying to buildup for the playoffs,” Cone added.

Ginebra shot a little better from the field as it led by three at 35-32 in the low-scoring first half.

Jeffers, Aguilar and Scottie Thompson joined forces to carry the Gin Kings from a nine-point deficit, 19-28, to that three-point edge at the turn.

Both teams struggled from the field with not a single player scoring in double figures in the first 24 minutes of play – more of a defensive battle marked by six lead changes and one deadlock.

Ginebra pressed a foot on the pedal in the third, racing to a 12-point lead at 56-44 before carrying a 65-59 margin into the final canto.

Aguilar had back-to-back thunderous jams to highlight their third-quarter onslaught.

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