Japeth Aguilar was instrumental in the Ginebra Gin Kings strong start to the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Everything was going Japeth Aguilar’s way Wednesday night, April 23.
Aguilar did pretty much everything as Ginebra ran roughshod over Terrafirma, 101-80, in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Aguilar was stellar with his 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and four blocks for the Gin Kings, who set the tone early with a 30-17 opening salvo.
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The 6-foot-9 beanpole fueled Ginebra’s sizzling start, pouring 12 points in the first 12 minutes of action.
Ginebra was simply unstoppable since then. At one point, the team even led by 22 points, 62-40.
“I just had time to do some reflection after the [Commissioner's Cup] Finals. And coming to this All-Filipino conference, it’s really up to us to grab that opportunity,” Aguilar said when asked about his thoughts on his performance.
RJ Abarrientos also put up a fine play, contributing 14 points, a rebound, seven assists and a steal. Scottie Thompson was equally impressive with his 11 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block.
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While the Gin Kings were happy with the win, Aguilar said they have their work cut out for them, especially with a game against San Miguel coming up on Friday, April 25.
“It’s still a long way to go. It’s only our first game, but we know it's really up to the team to really perform,” said Aguilar.
CJ Catapusan paced the Dyip with 14 points, three rebounds, an assist and two steals.
Mark Nonoy and Louie Sangalang added 13 and 12 points, respectively, for Terrafirma which absorbed its third straight loss against a solitary win.
Ginebra vs Terrafirma Scores:
GINEBRA 101 – J.Aguilar 30, Abarrientos 14, Thompson 11, Holt 10, Ahanmisi 9, Pinto 8, Gray 6, Rosario 5, R. Aguilar 4, Mariano 2, Adamos 2, Cu 0, Pessumal 0.
TERRAFIRMA 80 – Catapusan 14, Nonoy 13, Sangalang 12, Ramos 11, Pringle 9, Ferrer 7, Zaldivar 7, Melecio 4, Paraiso 2, Hernandez 1, Hanapi 0, Olivario 0.
Quarterscores: 30-17, 51-35, 75-52, 101-80.