Jay R. Gotera
MANILA — Import Othyus Jeffers overcame back spasms to churn out monstrous numbers of 38 points and 20 rebounds as he led the Barangay Ginebra Kings to their first win in three games, smothering the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 103-92, Sunday night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Wincing in pain while on the court, Jeffers—the conference’s smallest import at 6’3”—showed steely nerves as he finally proved his true worth after two ho-hum games, using his athleticism to score huge baskets all game long. He also had three assists and three blocks in the game.
Greg Slaughter was his usual dominant self, posting 16 points and 14 rebounds in 33 minutes of action while Joe Devance and Japeth Aguilar chipped in 13 and 10, respectively, for the Kings.
The Kings pounced on ROS that was still feeling it out with just arrived new import Antoine Wright who replaced injured reinforcement Wayne Chism. Ginebra dealt the Painters their second straight defeat after three games.
JR Quiñahan led ROS with 21 points and eight rebounds off the bench, while NBA journeyman Wright, who just arrived Sunday morning, finished with 16 points and eight rebounds in 28 minutes of action.
Jeff Chan and Jericho Cruz added 13 and 10 markers, respectively.
Meralco 90, Phoenix 87
The surprising Meralco Bolts streaked to their fourth straight win in the conference, making big shots in the endgame to frustrate newcomer Phoenix Fuel Masters, 90-87.
The Fuel Masters absorbed their first loss after winning their opener against NLEX last Wednesday.
Import Arinze Onuaku posted 17 points and 18 boards to lead the Bolts while wily point guard Chris Newsome added 16 markers. Veteran gunner Gary David added 13 points while Jared Dillinger scored 10, including a clutch three-pointer in the endgame that allowed the Bolts to wrest the lead for good.
The game was tied at 86-all before Dillinger buried the huge triple to give Meralco the lead, 89-86, with 45.5 seconds left.
The two teams split their charities in the ensuing plays. With two ticks left, Phoenix had the chance to send the game into overtime but Josh Urbiztondo’s three-pointer was blocked by Onuaku to seal Meralco’s victory.
RR Garcia continued to be Phoenix’s biggest offensive weapons, leading his team with 15 points. Nigerian import Andrew Adeleke and Mac Baracael added 13 apiece while Rodney Brondial and Willy Wilson chipped in 10 each.
Games Wednesday: Star Hotshots (0-3) vs. Blackwater Elite (2-1) and Tropang TNT (1-2) vs. Alaska Aces (0-1).
