Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar gets treatment on the bench during Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Considered one of the larger things that Barangay Ginebra will control for Game 7 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals is their starting big man Japeth Aguilar.
While San Miguel Beer star June Mar Fajardo is nearing full recovery from an injured calf, the Gin Kings are facing the same problem with Aguilar’s fitness.
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After Ginebra forced a do-or-die game with the Beermen on Sunday, coach Tim Cone revealed that their all-star center is facing fatigue issues with the long conference.
“He’s had some fatigue issues through the series, and we’re just attempting to keep his energy levels up. Attempting to max the minutes of June Mar is de facto difficult because he gives up 30or 40 kilos easy. Attempting to battle [him], it’s like attempting to push the wall all day,” said Cone after their miraculous 88-87 win.
“In case you keep pushing that wall all day, you’re going to get drained. It’s really on us and the staff to get him ready. We’re attempting to recover from those fatigue issues and keep him fresh.”
Aguilar played well in Game 6, ending with 16 points, 4 rebounds and a block to match but his fatigue was quite obvious to the raucous crowd contained in the Big Dome.
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Aguilar played 32 minutes while occasionally asking to be substituted out within the fourth period. Fajardo, meanwhile, played longer, logging 40 tiresome minutes.
The reigning MVP dropped a double-double on the Gin Kings’ heads, collecting 21 points and 16 rebounds, something Aguilar couldn’t quite contain.
“We’ll take game seven because it comes. The coaching staff will worry about that while the players will work on attempting to get back,” Cone said.
Game 7 for all of the marbles will tip off at 7 p.m. in the identical venue in Araneta, Cubao.