Aguilar's scary injury takes toll on Kings' rotation

MANILA, Philippines – The Brgy. Ginebra Kings came down crashing hard the way their big man Japeth Aguilar took a nasty fall in the first quarter of their 104-91 loss to surprise leader Barako Bull Energy Colas.

Aguilar went out for good with four minutes left in the opening quarter and the Kings were never the same again to lose for the second time in three games. 

“Talagang na-outhustle kami. Parang walang legs,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin emerging from the dugout where the Kings locked themselves for close to an hour after the disappointing loss.

The 6-foot-9 Gilas frontliner was diagnosed with a suspected MCL injury by PBA sports physician Ronald Calma when he crashed to the floor on his right knee from a mid-air collision with Barako Bull import Mike Singletary.

 â€œMedyo nasira yung rotation namin nung nawala siya (Japeth). Saka na-frustrate kami nung nakaka-shoot sila (Barako Bull),” Agustin told Philstar.com. “Kailangan naming i-correct yung mga mistakes namin.”

Without Aguilar, Singletary found it easy to drive to the basket.

Singletary finished with 38 points and 17 rebounds as teamed up with super rookie Emman Monfort, who torched the Kings with a career-high 25 points on 5-of-10 shooting from downtown, in the big win by the Energy Colas to tie Petron Blaze Boosters on top of the standings with 3-1 record.

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Agustin is hoping that Aguilar’s injury is not that serious.  

“Wala pa akong balita kay Japeth kung ano talaga nangyari. Dinala na siya kaagad sa hospital to take an MRI so tomorrow pa namin malalaman kung ano ang extent ng injury niya,” Agustin said.