MANILA, Philippines -- Japeth Aguilar knocked in a three-pointer then swatted away a shot by Ranidel de Ocampo in the closing seconds as Barangay Ginebra beat out Talk n Text, 97-95, in a gripping battle to gain second place in the PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.
Mac Baracael and Emman Monfort also provided big boost coming off the bench in the payoff quarter as the Gin Kings charged back from 14-point deficits and seized second spot with a 4-1 win-loss record.
The game was on the line when Aguilar took charge at the finish, personally handing the Tropang Texters a second loss against three wins.
“It was a pick-and-roll play involving Japeth. We wanted him to go hard to basket since Talk n Text was in penalty situation. He took an outside shot instead and we’re lucky he made it,†said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin of Aguilar's go-ahead basket.
“Early on, we took a look at Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio who were both coming off mild sickness. Maganda yung bunot namin kay Mac Baracael and Monfort in the fourth quarter. They helped us get the breaks,†Agustin also said.