.jpg) |
| Scottie Thompson delivered the game-winning assist to Japeth Aguilar. PBA Images |
MANILA––Japeth Aguilar reminded everyone at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig that he can still provide clutch moments as he gave Ginebra a 101-99 win against upset-seeking Blackwater in their PBA Philippine Cup game on Friday night.
Aguilar converted a baseline jumper with exactly a second remaining that spoiled the Bossing's chances of pulling off a stunner against the Gin Kings.
Troy Mallillin opened Blackwater's opportunity for an upset after tying the game at 99 apiece with a three-pointer with 19.6 seconds to go, only for Scottie Thompson to find Aguilar open near the baseline for the dagger.
With the Bossing already out of timeouts, RK Ilagan was forced to heave a prayer from way out that did not even reach the target as the clock struck zero, although it would not have still been counted since he released the attempt after the final buzzer sounded.
Aguilar led Ginebra, which tied San Miguel for third place at 5-2, with 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Thompson and Rosario each added 18 points, with the former also dishing out 10 assists and going 4-for-4 from three-point land.
Jamie Malonzo contributed 15 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
Sedrick Barefield fired 32 points, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal, while Ilagan added 24 points on 9-for-14 field goals, including a perfect 2-for-2 on four-pointers, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Blackwater, which fell to 1-6.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 101 – J. Aguilar 22, Thompson 18, Rosario 18, Malonzo 15, Holt 13, Abarrientos 8, Adamos 4, David 3, Gray 0
BLACKWATER 99 – Barefield 32, Ilagan 24, David 15, Mallilin 9, Escoto 8, Casio 3, Jopia 2, Guinto 2, Tratter 2, Chua 2, Andrade 0, Mitchell 0
QUARTERS: 19-25, 46-43, 72-71, 101-99
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
.jpg)
.jpg&description=PBA: Japeth Aguilar saves Ginebra from Blackwater shocker with game-winner){kind=link}