BOCAUE - Notwithstanding their two-month layoff, the Barangay Ginebra Kings found a way to keep their tradition of winning games on Christmas Day.
For a third straight Christmas, the Kings reigned over the Magnolia Hotshots, 89-78, behind the sterling effort of their old core players to the delight of the predominantly crowd of over 22,000 at the Philippine Arena here.
Greg Slaughter and LA Tenorio stood out, electrifying their teammates to a rousing debut in PBA Season 43 coming from their Governors Cup title run.
"Coming off a championship, I really thought it's a perfect storm for us to get beat," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
To his surprise, his troops came out sharp and competitive, stopping the Hotshots who were impressive in their conquest of the Alaska Milk in their season debut.
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"To be honest, I'm surprised how well we played. We're not perfect but we played with a great energy," said Cone.
"Greg was absolutely dominant out there. LA was smart with his passes and plays. Then Japeth and Greg had each other's back," Cone added.
Slaughter, Tenorio and Aguilar churned out superb performances leading Ginebra to an eighth straight Christmas Day victory overall. The Kings have lost only once in 11 X'mas Day games.
Slaughter practically threw his weight around in collecting 24 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks and two assists while Tenorio frolicked with 15 markers, eight dish-offs, five steals and five rebounds.
Tenorio's best feeds were a pair of perfect tosses which Aguilar jammed in to the delight of the crowd.
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Aguilar produced 12 markers, five boards, two blocks and one assist.
Jervy Cruz was a fourth Ginebra player who finished in double figures. He drained 12, including eight in the payoff period.
The scores:
GINEBRA 89 - Slaughter 24, Tenorio 15, Aguilar J. 12, Cruz 12, Ferrer 7, Caguioa 7, Thompson 6, Mariano 4, Taha 2, Aguilar R. 0.
MAGNOLIA 78 - Sangalang 25, Lee 16, Simon 15, Pingris 6, Barroca 4, Dela Rosa 4, Gamalinda 4, Herndon 2, Melton 2, Ramos 0, Brondial 0, Pascual 0.
Quarters: 22-17, 48-37, 66-60, 89-78.
