It was a lot easier for Ginebra when they got the ball to Japeth Aguilar in their match against NLEX in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
When NLEX threatened in the third period, Ginebra turned to Japeth Aguilar to regain control.
Aguilar imposed his size down low, and the Gin Kings demolished the Road Warriors, 104-74, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Sunday, Nov. 2.
The 6-foot-9 beanpole dropped 13 of his 25 points in the frame to help the fan favorites restore order and claim a second win in five games.
“That’s the time when Japeth started taking over the game in the middle. When we can do that, get the ball to Japeth there in those kinds of situations, it makes the game easy for us,” said Cone as his squad stayed at the eighth spot.
“So the game got a lot easier in that third quarter. We’re able to extend the lead and carry it into the fourth.”
[WATCH: PBA LIVESTREAM: NLEX Road Warriors vs Brgy. Ginebra | Philippine Cup]
Holt, Thompson and Gray also shine for Gin Kings
Aguilar was named Player of the Game, but he chose to put the spotlight on the Gin Kings guards.
“It was credit to our guards kasi talagang aggressive sila para atakehin 'yong paint. Nagkataon lang na nag-switch 'yong guard sa'kin,” said Aguilar, who also had five rebounds, an assist and a block.
Ginebra stalwart Stephen Holt drives past Robert Bolick of NLEX. | Photo: PBA Images
Guards Stephen Holt, Scottie Thompson and Jeremiah Gray did make an impact for Ginebra.
Holt scored a second-best 20 points, Thompson turned in an all-around effort of 12 markers, six rebounds and 11 assists, while Jeremiah Gray atoned for a scoreless outing in Dubai with a 9-7-4 outing.
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While the Gin Kings kept doing everything right from the get-go, the erstwhile co-leader Road Warriors struggled to find their footing.
They never led in the match, and though they showed some fight early in the third period, there was simply nothing they could do to flip the switch.
Xyrus Torres paced NLEX with 17 points on five three-pointers.
Jonnel Policarpio submitted 13 markers, while Dom Fajardo added 10 points and nine rebounds for the Road Warriors, who slid to second at 4-2.
Ginebra vs. NLEX Scores:
GINEBRA 104 – J. Aguilar 25, Holt 20, Thompson 12, Gray 9, Rosario 9, Cu 7, Abarrientos 4, Estil 4, Torres 4, Pinto 4, R. Aguilar 4, David 2
NLEX 74 – Torres 17, Policarpio 13, Fajardo 10, Capulong 9, Bahio 8, Alas 7, Mocon 4, Bolick 4, Ramirez 2, Valdez 0, Amer 0, Rodger 0, Nieto 0, Herndon 0, Marcelo 0
Quarterscores: 26-11, 40-33, 72-59, 104-74
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.