Japeth Meralco’s biggest stumbling block

MANILA, Philippines — Everybody knows Japeth Aguilar, the slam dunker. Now the Ginebra big man is getting PBA fans reacquainted with Japeth Aguilar, the shot-blocker.

Five days after a win-saving stoppage of Allen Durham’s potential equalizer in Game 1, the high-leaping Aguilar swatted away seven Meralco shots as the Gin Kings sealed a 92-84 victory and moved 2-1 up in the Governors’ Cup title series.

“It was a block party out there,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone of Aguilar’s exploits. “That’s one of his greatest skills. He’s got great timing, he gets off the floor so quick, and of course, he is so long. You think you got the shot off and he comes out of nowhere and does that.”

Aguilar matched his career second-best block output for a match and from joint 15th, climbed No. 12 in the PBA all-time list with 583 total, overtaking Poch Juinio (582) and Abe King (580).

“Basically, he decided Game 1 with a block and basically, he decided the game today with his seven blocks because our game was all keyed on defense,” said Cone.

“That’s something that he has been working on through the years. He’s recognized that that is a fun skill for him. It’s something that keys the team, keys the fans, and blocking shots is a big turnaround play. 

“I don’t think there is anybody in the league that is a better weak side defender than Japeth,” added Cone.