Ginebra stands tall in opening win against TNT
Credit to Author: JOSEF T. RAMOS, TMT| Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2019 04:49:19 +0000
BOCAUE, Bulacan: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel repulsed TNT KaTropa, 90-79, for its first win on Sunday, opening day of the Philippine Basketball Association Season 44 Philippine Cup at the Philippine Arena.
Japeth Aguilar and seven-footer Greg Slaughter were dominant in the shaded lane as they exploited the absence of Katropa’s big men — Troy Rosario and Yousef Taha –due to injuries.
Aguilar scored 21 points, including nine in the opening quarter, plus three blocks while Slaughter tallied 15 points and seven rebounds to lead the Gin Kings.
Sol Mercado had 11 points and Most Improved Player Thompson collared 10 rebounds in addition to his nine points.
“Opening game is always tough because it is a long day,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone. “Your guys are standing around a lot and it’s hard. You can start lethargic and we’re not in great shape as we are. We have real talent. We know what we want to do, but sometimes we get tired.”
Roger Pogoy had 20 points while Jayson Castro finished with 17 points and 10 assists for TNT.
Scores:
Ginebra 90 – Aguilar J. 21, Slaughter 15, Mercado 11, Thompson 9, Ferrer 9, Mariano 6, Devance 5, Tenorio 5, Teodoro 4, Cruz 3, Caperal 2, Aguilar R. 0.
TNT 79 – Pogoy 20, Castro 17, Trollano 15, Heruela 14, Reyes 6, Cruz 4, Williams 2, Golla 0, Semerad D. 0, Miranda 0, Carey 0.
Quarters: 28-15, 49-42, 63-57, 90-79.
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