Ginebra notches first win, routs Blackwater on Slaughter's return

MANILA, Philippines — Greg Slaughter is back. And so are the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.

The crowd darlings put on a show, decimating the Blackwater Elite, 105-91, for their first win the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, in a rare match at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.

The Gin Kings dictated the pace early on. But the Elite responded with a balanced effort to wrest the lead momentarily in the opening salvo.

Ginebra matched that intensity as soon as the game entered the second period. Kevin Ferrer led the way with 21 points while five more Gin Kings — Slaughter included — posted double-digit scoring.

Slaughter, who was still clearly recovering from an injured foot, had 12 points.

The Elite drew 25 points from its foreign reinforcement Jarrid Famous. Roi Sumang had 18 while Paul Zamar, who played his PBA debut after being left unsigned for six years, added 15.

Last conference’s breakout performer JP Erram only had eight in 33 minutes of action.

The victory improves Ginebra’s record to 1-2 in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Blackwater, on the other hand, remains in the cellars with their fifth straight loss.