Aguilar leads Ginebra past Converge in hometown debut

Japeth Aguilar delivered a stellar performance in his hometown, leading Barangay Ginebra to an 85-66 victory over Converge in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.

Aguilar, a native of Pampanga, recorded a double-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, helping Ginebra improve to a 3-2 win-loss record.

The win snapped Converge's three-game winning streak, leaving them with a 4-3 standing.

Aguilar had to exit the game with three minutes left in the contest due to cramps, though Ginebra was on its way to victory and was up by a wide margin.

Scottie Thompson supported Aguilar with 15 points and four rebounds.

RJ Abarrientos contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Stephen Holt added 12 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Jamie Malonzo added 9 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks as the Gin Kings redeemed themselves after a previous loss.

Ginebra maintained a comfortable lead throughout the game, ending the first half with a 50-34 advantage, and successfully repelled Converge's attempts to close the gap.

Converge's frontline duo of Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana were held in check, with Baltazar managing 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Arana had nine points and 11 rebounds.