Japeth Aguilar hits another game-winner, gets back at Meralco

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Ginebra gets back at tormentors Meralco courtesy of two late-game three-pointers from bigmen JayR Reyes and Japeth Aguilar

NEVER AGAIN. Aguilar scored another game-clinching three-pointer at the buzzer as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel got back at their lone tormentor Meralco. Photo by KC Cruz/PBA Image

MANILA, Philippines – On Saturday, December 28 Japeth Aguilar had two words for the Meralco Bolts: Never Again.

Aguilar scored another game-clinching three-pointer at the buzzer as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel got back at their lone tormentor Meralco, 83-82, in the PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Aguilar, who finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, had only one attempt from deep prior to the shot. But Ginebra head coach Ato Agustin had enough faith in him to entrust him with the final shot with 11 seconds left.

“Let’s give credit to my big guys,” Agustin said. “My big guys hit two crucial three-point shots. Nakita ni Japeth yung clock wala nang time, kailangan na niyang i-tira. But ang crucial din doon yung kay JayR.”

Ginebra ran the same play they used to defeat Talk ‘N Text, with LA Tenorio milking the clock and passing to Aguilar for the triple at nearly the exact same spot on the floor–only it was a different venue this time.

Fifteen seconds earlier, however, Ginebra had been down by 5, 77-82, after an Anjo Caram split from the line. But JayR Reyes hit a corner triple – his only 3 points in the game – with 11 seconds left to give Ginebra a chance to steal the game, 80-82.

John Wilson had the opportunity to ice the game for Meralco with two charities but muffed them both, allowing Ginebra to set up the final play.

Before the wild finish, however, it seemed that Meralco still had Ginebra’s number as Jared Dillinger and Reynel Hugnatan conspired to take the giants down once again, scoring 16 and 13 points, respectively.

Ginebra started the match looking well-prepared against the small ball and zone strategies the Bolts had employed in their first encounter. The former pounded the ball underneath to their bigs to exploit their strength and, as a result, ended the first on a good note, 27-22.

But Meralco caught up quickly in the second period, moving the ball well and setting up good screens to end the first half at a deadlock 40-all.

The second half saw more of Meralco finding the open man and defending well enough to keep in step with Ginebra.

But their splendid offensive and defensive game was not enough to overcome Ginebra once more.

The Gin Kings, on the other hand, were finally able to exact some measure of payback as they found the right adjustments in their rematch against the lone team that tarnished their now 9-1 standing. –with reports from Jane Bracher/Rappler.com

SCORES

Ginebra (83): Slaughter 17, Aguilar 15, Baracael 14, Tenorio 13, Ellis 7, Caguioa 6, Urbiztondo 5, Reyes 3, Monfort 2, Helterbrand 1

Meralco (82): Dillinger 16, Hugnatan 13, Wilson 12, David 9, Cortez 8, Caram 6, Sena 6, Allado 6, Guevarra 3, Hodge 3

Quarter scores: 27-22, 40-40, 59-60, 83-82

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