Slaughter, Tenorio lead Ginebra past Meralco

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The duo of Greg Slaughter and LA Tenorio combined for 41 points as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel earned a crucial victory over the top-seeded Meralco Bolts, 103-90, on Wednesday, April 13, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Tenorio had 20 points and 4 boards while Slaughter had 21 points and 4 rebounds. Ginebra’s import, Othyus Jeffers, had an all-around performance of 11 points, 15 boards, and 9 assists, as the Gin Kings improved to 7-4.

Meralco, which could have clinched the top seed in the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs with a victory, was led by the 23 points of rookie Chris Newsome. Import Arinze Onuaku was limited to 10 points and 16 rebounds.

Ginebra’s victory keeps its hopes for a twice-to-beat seed in the quarterfinals alive. But to get there, it will need NLEX and Tropang TNT to defeat Alaska and San Miguel, respectively, on Friday, and then win a playoff.

The Bolts, now 8-3, will still get the top seed if San Miguel loses to Tropang TNT. If the Beermen prevail, they will rise to number one while Meralco falls to number two.

Scores:

Ginebra (103): Slaughter 21, Tenorio 20, Caguioa 16, Aguilar 14, Jeffers 11, Ellis 10, Marcelo 4, Thompson 3, Mercado 2, Devance 2, Helterbrand 0, Cruz 0

Meralco (90): Newsome 23, Dillinger 17, Hodge 13, Hugnatan 11, Onuaku 10, Caram 5, FAundo 4, Buenafe Ro 3, Amer 2, Ferriols 2, Alapag 0, Bono 0, Buenafe Ry 0

Quarter scores: 27-14, 51-39, 80-66, 103-90 – Rappler.com