Japeth Aguilar starred for the Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings in their latest win against the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Scottie Thompson exploited the confusion of Bradwyn Guinto and RK Ilagan in the pick-and-roll play and found Japeth Aguilar open on the left corner for the game-winning jumper in the dying seconds.
That was not how Ginebra coach Tim Cone designed it to play out.
“That was an alley-oop play actually,” said Aguilar after Ginebra’s thrilling 101-99 foiling of Blackwater in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Friday, May 23.
It was not Aguilar’s first game-winner in a storied PBA career that began in 2009 with the then Burger King Whoopers.
That was why Tim Cone was not surprised when the 6-foot-9 beanpole drilled in the baseline shot.
“I have no doubt,” Cone told Aguilar as the duo dapped up before the press conference started at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
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Aguilar is taking on the leadership mantle now that LA Tenorio has shifted his focus to Gilas Pilipinas Youth’s SEABA quest in Pampanga. Tenorio is the head coach of the said team.
“I have that role now in the team kasi dati si LA 'yon. When LA was not here, it was Jared (Dillinger),” said the 38-year-old Aguilar, who wound up with 22 points, six rebounds and two assists as the Gin Kings scored a third straight win for a 5-2 mark.
“Kailangan kong maging conscious. I just want to bring positivity like my body language, my reaction. Ako na ang pinaka-senior sa team. For me, it’s got to start sa'kin kasi ako na ang pinaka-senior sa team.”
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But he was not alone in this fight.
Thompson displayed an all-around outing with his 18 points, four rebounds, 10 assists, and a steal, while Troy Rosario also had 18 markers plus six rebounds and three assists.
Jamie Malonzo added a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Meanwhile, losses continued to pile up for the beleaguered Bossing, who remained in a downward spiral and settled for a 1-6 card.
This despite Sedrick Barefield finishing with 32 points, six rebounds, six assists, and a steal, and RK Ilagan impressing with 23 points.
Ginebra vs. Blackwater scores:
GINEBRA 101 – J.Aguilar 22, Thompson 18, Rosario 18, Malonzo 15, Holt 13, Abarrientos 8, Adamos 4, David 3, Gray 0.
BLACKWATER 99 – Barefield 32, Ilagan 24, David 15, Mallilin 9, Escoto 8, Casio 3, Jopia 2, Guinto 2, Tratter 2, Chua 2, Andrade 0, Mitchell 0.
Quarterscores: 19-25, 46-43, 72-71, 101-99.