Japeth ruled out to play in Ginebra-TnT crucial match

MANILA, Philippines – Japeth Aguilar helplessly watched from the bench as Brgy. Ginebra Kings lost another heartbreaker – a 113-106 loss to GlobalPort Batang Pier in overtime on Friday night.

The Kings could have used Aguilar’s length to bother Jay Washington, who exploded for a career-high 30 points. But the athletic 6-9 beanpole couldn’t do anything except to cheer from the bench.

Read: Washington's career game tow GlobalPort to 1st ever q'finals berth

“Mahirap siyempre kasi meron sana akong magagawa para makatulong sa loob ng court kaso wala eh. Yung tipong ‘Sayang kung nandun ako’ na feeling,” Aguilar told Philstar.com on his way out of the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night. 

Aguilar is already on his third week of recovery from an MCL injury he sustained in the Kings’ loss to Barako Bull last month.  The prognosis was 4-6 weeks recovery but Aguilar, who was acquired in the blockbuster deal that also involved Washington at the start of the conference, is far from being fit to return to action.

“Di ko pa alam eh. Sana after next week [makabalik na ako],” Aguilar said.

“Hindi pa ako nakapag-start ng kahit ano [physical contact drills]. Light jog lang ginagawa ko. Sumasakit pa rin. Nandun pa rin ang sakit,” said Aguilar referring to his injured right knee. 

The Kings will still not have Aguilar when they face his former team Talk n Text on Sunday, both teams’ final assignment in the elimination round.

Brgy. Ginebra needs to win to avoid complications and gain an outright passage to the quarters. A loss, depending on the margin, will either boot them out or relegate them to a knockout game for the eight spot.