Ginebra guards finally show up

MANILA, Philippines -- It may come as a surprise that Barangay Ginebra came out with a huge 89-64 beat down against winless Meralco Tuesday night.

But coach Tim Cone believes the team is still taking baby steps as the Kings continue to learn to play under his patented triangle offense.

Big boys Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar got their usual huge numbers against the Bolts’ shorter front court, though Ginebra’s guards came out with the much-needed support to help the team score the 25-point rout.

“We shot the ball well but the most important thing is we played the tempo that we wanted to play, the tempo that can keep our big men fresh. And that’s really the key,” said Cone, speaking with a hoarse voice after the game at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.

Slaughter and Aguilar combined for 36 points and 20 rebounds, while new boy Nico Salva came off the bench to bring in the spark, finishing with 11 points and five rebounds for Ginebra.

Veteran guards LA Tenorio and Mark Caguioa, along with Fil-Americans Sol Mercado, Joe Devance and Chris Ellis also came up with solid off-the-bench numbers to help Ginebra bounce back from an 18-point rout at the hands of San Miguel Beer last Sunday.

“We have a big contribution really for the first time from our guard core. Mark, LA, Nico. Our guards played really well. They really were under control, really a good all-around performance. So it’s a very nice bounce back game from that San Miguel Beer debacle,” he said.

“We were disappointed about that (loss to the Beermen). I hope this can bring a little momentum into our (next) game.”

The American coach also has high hopes that newly-acquired veteran forward Jervy Cruz can add front court depth to the team after figuring in a trade that shipped Rodney Brondial to Barako Bull on Monday.

“We think he (Cruz) can really help and be the extra big man to rotate and keep Greg and Japeth fresh,” noted the two-time PBA grand slam coach.

“He’s got the ability to shoot the ball. He can post up and he can play the three and the four. We like him a lot that’s why we traded for him.”

Ginebra takes a break on Wednesday, but begins preparation after that before going up against Mahindra on Sunday at Ynares Center in Antipolo.