JAPETH Aguilar’s new-found confidence and scoring sock have made him Ginebra’s most valuable asset, even at crunch time. PBA images
With a new-found confidence, Japeth Aguilar has become Barangay Ginebra’s main guy.
In 10 games, the high-leaping 6-foot-9 emerged as the Gin Kings’ top performer in the ongoing PLDT MyDSL Philippine Cup eliminations by averaging 19.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and a league-best 3.8 blocks.
He recently underscored his worth in a pair of spectacular games against a tough Petron Blaze and Meralco, which dealt the only blemish in Ginebra’s league-leading 9-1 record.
“We’re in this situation now because of Japeth and we’re putting our trust in him until the end,” said Ginebra ace playmaker LA Tenorio, Aguilar’s Gilas Pilipinas teammate.
Aguilar swished a game-clinching three-point shot at the buzzer to cap a Ginebra escape act over the Bolts, 83-82, on Saturday after compiling solid numbers in a colossal victory against the Boosters on Christmas Day.
The former Western Kentucky forward went on to earn the Accel-PBA Player of the Week for the period of Dec. 23 to 29.
Against the Bolts, Aguilar scored seven of his team’s last 10 points capped by that miraculous buzzer-beater that helped the perennial crowd favorites rise from six points down in the final minute.
He finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks as the Gin Kings avenged their 100-87 loss to the Bolts in the first round.
It was a sensational follow-up to an impressive show that saw Aguilar collect 25 points and 11 rebounds in a 97-83 victory over the Boosters.
Now the Gin Kings have moved closer to the twice-to-beat edge heading into the playoffs.