Japeth's triple, block lift Ginebra to pulsating win
Japeth Aguilar finished with aplomb what reserve Mac Baracael started in style as Barangay Ginebra essayed an epic victory against reigning three-time titlist Talk ‘N Text Sunday night.
The 6-foot-9 power forward drilled in a cold-blooded triple with 1.1 seconds to go then made a huge block against Ranidel de Ocampo at the buzzer as the Gin Kings completed a come-from-behind 97-95 win over defending champion Talk ‘N Text in a highly-entertaining match at the packed Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
More known for his thunderous dunks, Aguilar displayed his improved offensive arsenal throughout by drilling in a pair of triples in the payoff canto, the last over the outstretched arms of Texters defender Kelly Williams, then capped his game-long brilliance by swatting a potential game-tying baseline jumper by de Ocampo as the final horn sounded.
Aguilar, ably filling up the shoes left by top guards LA Tenorio and Mark Caguioa who were both playing under the weather, went on to finish with monstrous numbers of 21 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocks as the Ginebra seized solo second with its second consecutive win and fourth overall against a lone defeat, just half-a-game behind pace-setting Petron Blaze (5-0).
Also providing the needed lift for the Gin Kings was Baracael, who clustered all of his 12 points in the fourth where they exploded just in time, outscoring the Texters 29-15.
Going for naught with the Texters’ second loss in six outings was the 27-point performance of guard Jayson Castro along with the 23 markers of gunner Larry Fonacier, who even made a timely catch-and-shoot jumper for a 95-94 lead with 34.1 seconds left. Aguilar and company, however, just wouldn’t be denied.
The Main Man: Rivals, beware: There is more to Japeth Aguilar than his impressive leaping ability.
Visibly thriving in his new role at Ginebra, the 6-foot-9 Aguilar came up big on both ends as he laced his 21-point outing with a pair of triples in the fourth canto where the Gin Kings outplayed the Texters.
Aside from his timely offensive explosion, the former Ateneo center also lorded it over defensively as he swatted seven blocks, including a big one on Ranidel de Ocampo in the waning moments, while hauling down 11 rebounds.
Honorable Mentions: This time, Mac Baracael emerged as the “lucky pick” off the bench for head coach Ato Agustin.
After watching from the sidelines for the first 36 minutes, the 6-foot-3 forward was tapped to start the fourth period and readily made his presence felt, producing all of his 12 points while igniting the Kings’ ferocious counterattack.
Even though he failed to score, Emman Monfort also shone for the Gin Kings defensively as he put the clamps down on TNT star Jayson Castro in the final quarter, limiting the former PCU guard to just two points after firing away 25 in the first three periods.
Game Turning Point: After Fonacier put TNT by one after squandering what was once a 72-58 cushion, Aguilar spoiled what was shaping up to be a fitting birthday present to de Ocampo as he swished through a big triple off a Tenorio feed that virtually sealed the deal with 1.1 seconds to go.
To complete his heroics, Aguilar then denied de Ocampo by soaring to block his potential game-tying baseline jumper as time expired.
He Said It:
Barangay Ginebra coach Ato Agustin: “‘Yung mga guards namin, sina Caguioa and LA galing sa sakit. Nu’ng second half, maganda hugot ko kay Monfort. Nag pressure sya sa mga guards. ‘Yung pasok ko kay Baracael, napunta sa amin ‘yung breaks of the game. ‘Yung last play namin pick-and-roll kay japeth talaga. I told them go hard sa basket dahil penalty. Swerte lang napunta sa three-points at pumasok.”
The scores:
Ginebra 97 – Aguilar 21, Ellis 17, Slaughter 16, Baracael 12, Ababou 7, Helterbrand 7, Reyes 6, Urbiztondo 6, Caguioa 3, Tenorio 2, Monfort 0.
Talk ‘N Text 95 – Castro 27, Fonacier 23, Anthony 12, De Ocampo 8, Williams 8, Alapag 7, Seigle 5, Baclao 4, Carey 1, Ferriols 0, Poligrates 0.
Quarterscores: 19-25, 40-43, 68-80, 97-95.
