Games Wednesday (Philsports Arena, Pasig City) 4:15 p.m. – Meralco vs Talk ’N Text 7 p.m. – Blackwater vs San Miguel

After two heartbreaking defeats, crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra San Miguel finally found a way to win.

Greg Slaughter buried two pressure-packed free throws with 4.1 seconds left and the Kings survived the Alaska Aces to score a thrilling 93-92 victory in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup yesterday at the Al Wasi Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

With the Kings down by a single point, 91-92, the 7-foot center Slaughter drew a foul from Alaska forward Noy Baclao then calmly delivered from the line in front of a huge crowd of OFWs.

Alaska had a chance to win the game but Vic Manuel and Jvee Casio each missed their respective three-point attempts as Ginebra held on for its first win this season – and first under new coach Tim Cone.

The victory snapped a twogame skid for the Kings following setbacks to Cone’s former team the Star Hotshots (78-86) last Oct. 25 and to the Barako Bull Energy (79-82) last Oct. 31.

As for the Aces, the loss was their first after winning the first three matches, including a 98-94 triumph over the Mahindra Enforcers of playing coach and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao also in Dubai last Saturday.

“We hung on for dear life,” said Cone, who was appointed coach of the popular squad by the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) management after four seasons with the Star Hotshots.

LA Tenorio had 14 points and Caguioa added 11 points for Ginebra, which controlled the rebounding department, 56-38, despite committing 21 turnovers that Alaska translated to 27 points. (Waylon Galvez)

Scores:

GINEBRA 93 - Slaughter 27, Aguilar 23, Tenorio 14, Caguioa 11, Thompson 8, Marcelo 4, Devance 2, Brondial 2, Ellis 1, Mercado 1, Helterbrand 0, Salva 0, Mariano 0.

ALASKA 92 - Abueva 23, Hontiveros 15, Manuel 14, Jazul 9, Baclao 6, Menk 6, Baguio 4, Thoss 4, Exciminiano 4, Casio 3, Dela Rosa 2, Dela Cruz 2, Banchero 0, Magat 0.

Quarters: 24-21; 56-37; 75-66; 93-92.