By Dugout Philippines
Japeth Aguilar went on a roll in his comeback game with Ginebra as he and the Gin Kings got past the Talk 'n Text Tropang Texters, 101-81, in the nightcap of the PBA opening day festivities at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
After a close first quarter, Ginebra began pulling away in the second period, opening a double-digit advantage midway to the frame.
Talk 'n Text crawled back later on and cut the lead to four, 45-41, at the half.
The Gin Kings looked to rebuild the huge edge in the third, but the Texters stayed in the hunt and only trailed by eight, 62-70, entering the final 12 minutes.
Ginebra rebuilt a 13-point advantage, 83-70, with under eight minutes left.
But Talk 'n Text kept its hopes alive after a 6-2 run to cut the lead to seven, 83-76, with about five minutes remaining.
The Gin Kings then unleashed the game-ending 18-5 run to pull away for good.
Aguilar, fresh from his FIBA World Cup and Asian Game stints, scored a double-double of 18 points, 18 rebounds along with five blocks.
Gilas 1 member Kelly Williams led Talk 'n Text with 20 points.
Box Scores:
Ginebra 101-Aguilar 18, Slaughter 16, Baracael 16, Caguioa 12, Helterbrand 10, Mamaril 8, Yeo 7, Ellis 6, Tenorio 4, Brondial 4, Monfort 0, Forrester 0, Urbiztondo 0, Reyes 0, Ababou 0
Talk 'n Text 81-Williams 20, Castro 19, Alas 10, Fonacier 9, Ganuelas 9, Carey 4, Seigle 4, Reyes Ryan 3, Reyes Rob 3, Washington 0, Aban 0, Labagala 0, Espiritu 0, De Ocampo 0
Quarterscores: 18-19, 45-41, 70-62, 101-81
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