PBA: Japeth Aguilar shines in homecoming as Ginebra gives Converge pummeling in Pampanga

Welcome home, Japeth Aguilar! PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Japeth Aguilar played like the stellar self that he once was back in his home province as he led Ginebra to an 85-66 blowout win against Converge in the lone Saturday game of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

The six-foot-nine Sasmuan native turned back time again and played dominantly in his first game in Pampanga in a long while, going 11-for-16 from the field for 23 points with 10 rebounds and three blocks as the Gin Kings quickly clobbered the FiberXers in the latter's de facto home game since team owner Dennis Anthony Uy and team manager Delta Pineda both hail from the said province too.

Scottie Thompson added 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal for Ginebra, which moved up to 3-2 in the team standings.

In his first game back at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center since leaving the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, Balti Baltazar led Converge, which fell to 4-3, with 13 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and one steal.

MJ Garcia, who was teammates with Baltazar with the Pampanga franchise in the MPBL, stepped up in a starting position back at the arena he once called home and added 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 2-for-2 on threes, six rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

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