Japeth Aguilar bailed Barangay Ginebra out as he delivered the game-winner against Blackwater, 101-99, on Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Troy Malilin put the Bossing within one, 95-94, with less than two minutes left in the final frame before Jamie Malonzo’s free throws off the former’s fouls gave the Gin Kings a three-point advantage. Sedrick Barefield then scored for Blackwater before Troy Rosario put Ginebra at 99-96.
The ball then ended up on Rosario’s hands anew after a Blackwater turnover but he missed his shot as the Bossing grabbed the rebound. Malilin then drilled from beyond the arc to tie the game but in the end, it was Aguilar who sealed the victory off Scottie Thompson’s assist.
Aguilar had a team-high 22 points to go with six rebounds and two assists, while Thompson had 18 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, and a steal. Rosario, meanwhile, had 18 points, while Malonzo had 15 points, 14 boards, and a steal as Ginebra extended its winning streak to three and improved to 5-2.
The win spoiled Barefield’s 32-point outing, while RK Ilagan and Christian David had 24 and 15 points, respectively, as Blackwater absorbed its fourth straight loss and moved down to 1-6.
Scores:
Barangay 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.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News