Spurs hold off Blazers 112-109

By Associated Press Published: Nov 10, 2012 at 10:52 PM PDT
Spurs hold off Blazers 112-109
San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, right, backs in on Portland Trail Blazers center J.J. Hickson during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Gary Neal had 27 points, Manu Ginobili hit two big free throws in the final seconds and the San Antonio Spurs edged the Portland Trail Blazers 112-109 on Saturday night.

The Blazers hit four straight 3-pointers to tie it at 109 with 40.5 seconds left, but Portland stumbled from there and was saddled with its third consecutive loss. Nicolas Batum had a career-high 33 points.

Tim Duncan added 22 points and nine rebounds for the Spurs, who snapped a seven-game losing streak at the Rose Garden.

San Antonio played without Tony Parker because of a flu bug that has been making its way around the team. Patty Mills started in his place.