Ginebra survives big scare from Blackwater in double OT thriller

MANILA, Philippines -- Veteran LA Tenorio and rookie Scottie Thompson keyed a breakaway run in the second overtime as the Brgy. Ginebra Kings survived a big scare from the Blackwater Elite, 102-94, Saturday in the 2015 PBA Smart Bro Philippine Cup before a jampacked crowd at the AUF Sports and Cultural Center in Angeles, Pampanga.

The backcourt pair came through clutch triples that broke the spirits of the Elite, who nearly won it in regulation. 

Greg Slaughter was dominant inside the paint coming away with 35 points and 15 rebounds while Japeth Aguilar put up an inspired effort in front of his provincemates as he added 25 points, seven rebounds and three blocks for the Kings, who clinched a spot in the quarterfinals with their fifth win in nine games. Tenorio finished with 19 points. 

Blackwater bungled a golden chance to score an upset when Jason Ballesteros, who was fouled by Slaughter in a rebound battle, failed to convert his free throws. Jervy Cruz missed a long jumper at the other end that paved the way for the first extension.

Slaughter and Aguilar carried the Kings in the first overtime but Elite's backcourt tandem of Mike Cortez and Jerick Canada proved to be as clutch forcing another extra five minutes. 

Blackwater went down deeper in the standings with 1-7 record.

The scores:

Ginebra 102 - Slaughter 35, Aguilar 25, Tenorio 19, Thompson 9, Caguioa 4, Cruz 4, Ellis 4, Devance 2, Mercado 0, Villamor 0, Salva 0.

Blackwater 94 - Cervantes 13, Dela Cruz 11, Erram 10, Gamalinda 10, Lastimosa 10, Canada 9, Ballesteros 8, Cortez 8, Reyes 6, Sena 4, Agovida 3, Golla 2, Melano 0.

Quarterscores: 27-22, 42-46, 65-61, 84-84 reg, 92-92 1OT, 102-94 2OT.