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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Aguilar sparks 18-point comeback as Ginebra nips SMB in Game 1

Aguilar sparks 18-point comeback as Ginebra nips SMB in Game 1

Published Jun 25, 2025 10:30 pm

At A Glance

  • Japeth Aguilar provided the spark and the game-saving block as Barangay Giinebra overcame an 18-point deficit to take down San Miguel, 73-71, to take Game 1 of their PBA Season 49 semifinals showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, June 25.
Japeth Aguilar provided the spark and the game-saving block as Barangay Giinebra overcame an 18-point deficit to take down San Miguel, 73-71, to take Game 1 of their PBA Season 49 semifinals showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, June 25.
After the Beermen exploded for 29 in the opening frame, the Kings tightened up their defensive screws and prevented SMB from scoring more than 16 points in each of the next three quarters to complete yet another thrilling comeback win.
Aguilar, after being saddled with foul trouble early on, came alive in the second half, pouring 12 of his 18 points as Ginebra pounced on an SMB side that was struggling offensively and June Mar Fajardo hobbling with a calf injury.
The 6-foot-9 veteran even had a huge defensive stop, foiling a Fajardo undergoal stab attempt with four seconds left and with the Kings trying to protect a precarious 71-70 lead.
Aguilar added nine rebounds to his name while Scottie Thompson, who kept Ginebra in the contest after it trailed, 43-25, in the first half, put up 18 points, eight rebounds. Jamie Malonzo added 14 while Troy Rosario scattered seven points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Save for a first quarter hiccup, it was a defensive masterclass for the Kings as the Beermen were limited to just 36 points in the last two quarters – including a measly 11 points in the final frame.
Though SMB still led for the majority of the contest, Ginebra took advantage of the times Fajardo was not on the floor and slowly but surely rallied back into the contest.
It also didn’t help that SMB couldn’t keep the eight-time MVP on the floor for extended minutes as he was seen limping, even grimacing in pain at times, due to the calf injury.
Fajardo was limited to just six points though he still powered through the injury to collar 19 rebounds – 10 of which on the offensive end.
CJ Perez tried to pick up the slack on the offensive end but his 21 points, which also went eight rebounds, was not enough as he only had 12 points each from Juami Tiongson and Jericho Cruz to support him.
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