PBA Finals: Japeth Aguilar, Ginebra stay guarded despite 3-2 lead
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings veteran big man Japeth Aguilar during Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT Tropang Giga. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar is keeping his focus intact with the crown within reach for the Gin Kings in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
Ginebra moved one step closer to winning the import-laden conference’s title after going up 3-2 following a Game 5 win over TNT, 73-66, on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.
READ: PBA Finals: Ginebra, TNT seeking resolve to get things done
Aguilar, as the veteran that he is, showed no enjoyment in moving just a win away from sealing the deal.
Frankly, he’s been here before.
“How’s my emotions? Well, we’re well-aware of what happened the last time against Meralco,” said Aguilar. “This is the same situation, we’re up three games so our mindset now is to play one more game.”
Back in last year’s PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, Ginebra figured in a best-of-seven series against famed rival, Meralco.
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings veteran big man Japeth Aguilar during Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT Tropang Giga. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The Gin Kings notched a momentous 3-2 lead over the Bolts, only for Chris Newsome and company to repulse their virtual twice-to-win disadvantage and send Ginebra packing.
Even more spectacular, the Bolts would go on to beat San Miguel Beer in six games on that tournamen’s Finals, a place where the Gin Kings should’ve been had they stayed the course.
READ: PBA Finals: Ginebra grinds out Game 5 win vs TNT, nears title
They maybe failed to protect that lead then but now is a different story.
Aguilar did his job in bringing the Gin Kings on the cusp of another title as he finished with 11 points and three rebounds on Sunday, but there was no time to celebrate for the Gilas big man.
“Really, after tonight, we just have to move on and keep improving while staying focused. As long as we focus on our defense, we’ll be fighting,” he said.
Aguilar and the Gin Kings look to close out the series on Wednesday at the same venue.
