Japeth Aguilar defended his decision to take the three-pointer during such a critical juncture of Barangay Ginebra’s eventual defeat to TNT in Game 6 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday night.
The veteran center believes that it was the best possible shot at that time as he tried to go for the tie but ultimately missed — much, of course, to the relief of the Tropang Giga as they eventually forced the series to a winner-take-all Game 7.
“Napunta sa akin ‘yung bola so I have to take the risk. I mean, it is what it is,” he said moments after their 87-83 loss at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Despite rarely launching from beyond the arc, Aguilar took the shot with about 38 seconds left to play — with 7.4 on the shot clock — and with the Kings staring at an 82-79 deficit, shortly after receiving Justin Brownlee’s kickout.
He actually got the ball from just inside the arc, but deemed it best to step back to the right corner and pull the trigger to tie things up.
“It was. I feel so,” the 38-year-old said when asked if he felt that that shot was the best for them.
“Kasi covered na si Justin, and I was the only one open.”
His shot missed. But the crew managed to get the possession back when Stephen Holt got fouled by Calvin Oftana during a battle for the rebound.
Justin Brownlee then tried to attack the defense inside, but TNT checked him, and opposing center Poy Erram went on to force a jump ball.
The breaks would go in favor of their foes later on, with Erram and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson conniving for the all-important free throws in the closing seconds as the Tropa made sure to keep their title hopes alive.
Aguilar, though, has no regrets over the shot he took, with his sights simply set on reviewing the game in preparation for Game 7 on Friday.
In particular, he wants to watch film from the second half — and specifically the fourth where TNT led by 10 twice behind Erram, who scored 10 of his 14 points in the said period in a solid outing for the emotional big man.
“You know, the game, hindi kami roon natalo eh, that specific play,” said the eight-time champion, who finished with 11 points and six rebounds, along with a pair of blocks.
“We have to go and review the second half, so ‘yun.”
#WATCH: “IT IS WHAT IT IS”
Japeth Aguilar reflects on his crucial late-game attempt in Game 6 of the #PBA2025 Commissioner’s Cup Finals 🏀
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/K8bWLX4XxV
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 26, 2025
