Japeth hits game-winner as Kings on cusp of PBA finals appearance

MANILA, Philippines – Japeth Aguilar knocked down a jumper from the corner as time expired to lift Barangay Ginebra to a pulsating 97-96 win over San Miguel to zoom in on a PBA finals appearance Friday at the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Aguilar found the ball in his hands after a timely pass by Sol Mercado, calmly sinking the shot as the Kings mounted a 2-1 series lead over the Beermen.

The night also belonged to Scottie Thompson, who registered 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to become the first rookie to produce a triple-double since Johnny Abarrientos.

Abarrientos pulled off the feat 23 years ago.