Japeth Aguilar leads Ginebra to dominant win over Talk ‘N Text

BULACAN, Philippines (UPDATED) – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel got off to a good start in the 2015 Philippine Cup as they pummeled the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 101-81, on Sunday, October 19 at the Philippine Arena. 

Japeth Aguilar led the barrage, clearly inspired coming off his stint with the national team, as he registered 18 points, 18 rebounds and 5 blocks in the main event of opening day.

“I firmly believe that you should work hard every day. You stay with your system, you continue to believe in it, and then the wins will follow,” Ginebra head coach Jeff Cariaso said of the team’s positive start to the conference.

“More importantly, guys who didn’t play were very supportive. Guys were cheering each other. Guys are putting their heads down when they made turnovers. Those are the things that I felt were just as good with this win – those little things like that.”

Cariaso explained those small gestures make up the team’s small but valuable steps to building their chemistry. 

“It means our chemistry is improving, our understanding of what it takes to win is improving and just us willing to play for each other.” 

Aguilar’s frontline partner Greg Slaughter also asserted himself in this game with his 16 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.

While sharp shooter Mac Baracael scattered his 16 markers anchored on 3-of-7 triples.

The Fast and the Furious tandem of Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand proved they still had fresh legs with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Caguioa put the icing on the cake in the dying seconds for the final score.

The Gin Kings did not disappoint the record crowd of 52,612 and showed their improvement over the off-season and the headway they’ve made in mastering the triangle offense. 

Though the game was close for the first 3 quarters, Ginebra broke the game wide open in the fourth and unfurled a 31-19 blast that the rebuilding Texters could not overcome. 

Even rookie Kevin Alas’ 10-point outburst in the final frame didn’t do much to stifle Ginebra’s rally. 

“I gotta give it to our guys for sticking firmly to our game plan and trying to execute,” Cariaso said. “I’m happy with the way we executed not only offensively but defensively.” 

Kelly William’s topscored for Talk ‘N Text with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Jayson Castro added 19 points and 4 assists. 

Ginebra’s ball movement was not to be hindered on opening day as they bested Talk ‘N Text in that department, 25-10.  

Gilas Pilipinas playmaker LA Tenorio was the primary proponent of that as he registered 10 assists together with 4 points. 

Ginebra also out-rebounded the Texters, 62-50.

Talk ‘N Text played sans veterans Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo who were given time to rest after their stint with Gilas Pilipinas. – Rappler.com

– Rappler.com