The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel wrapped up their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup elimination round campaign in impressive fashion, overcoming the TNT Tropang Giga, 93-86, on Sunday, May 10, at the historic Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The victory allowed the Gin Kings to secure third place in the standings with a solid 9-3 win-loss record, further strengthening their position as one of the top contenders heading into the playoffs. More importantly for Ginebra, the game also marked the much-anticipated return of veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, who had missed the team’s previous three games due to a lung-related condition suffered after a frightening fall during their April 24 matchup against the Blackwater Bossing.
Aguilar’s return provided an emotional lift for the Gin Kings, who welcomed back one of the league’s most experienced frontcourt anchors just in time for the postseason push. Despite limited minutes, the 39-year-old veteran was immediately handed one of the toughest assignments possible — defending TNT import and former NBA player Bol Bol.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
Bol continued to showcase the unique skill set that has made him one of the most intriguing imports in the conference, finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds in another dominant offensive outing. Standing at 7-foot-2 with guard-like skills, Bol presented a difficult challenge for Ginebra’s defense throughout the contest.
Speaking after the game, Aguilar admitted that facing a player with Bol’s rare combination of size and perimeter ability was unlike anything he had experienced before.
“Tagal ko na sa maglalaro ng basketball. Na akala ko, you know, you have seen it all then. Biglang mag Bol Bol na ganoon. Tapos ganun yung skill, guard. Tinry ko makuha yung rhythm ko,” Aguilar said in a media interaction.
JAPETH’S BACK IN ACTION
Japeth Aguilar shared that he is now feeling fine after overcoming a lung issue and is ready to suit up once again for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel ahead of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs. | via Pao Ambat/One Sports#OSOnTheSpot #PBA50 pic.twitter.com/Pcs4sEc8Ps
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 11, 2026
Although visibly still working his way back into game condition, Aguilar managed to contribute six points and three rebounds in 15 minutes of action. More importantly, his presence provided additional rim protection, veteran leadership, and frontcourt depth as Ginebra prepares for the more physical playoff stage.
Aguilar also opened up about the unusual medical condition that forced him to temporarily step away from basketball. The veteran center explained that the symptoms did not immediately manifest following the hard fall against Blackwater, making the situation even more unexpected.
“Medyo delay yung effect. So, medyo nakalaro pa ako. Tapos, everything ano talaga. Parang sakto talaga yung panayari. Sakto, sinub ko ni coach Tim. Yung sinub ko ni coach Tim, dun na medyo. Basta ang daming term ng mga PT. Talaga parang medyo nagkulang yung oxygen sa ano ko. Medyo, nag-faint ako konti,” he added.
The incident understandably raised concerns within the Ginebra camp, especially given Aguilar’s importance to the team’s interior defense and rebounding. However, the veteran confirmed that he was fully cleared by the team’s medical staff before returning to practice and eventually making his comeback against TNT.
For Aguilar, simply being able to return to the floor before the playoffs was already a major relief. After spending weeks recovering and monitoring his condition, the former Gilas Pilipinas standout expressed gratitude that the injury did not become more serious.
“Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari. Hindi naman masyado malala. Masaya ako nakaisang game ako before the playoffs. We are working hard para ready lang sa playoffs. Weird lang talaga yung nangyari. Ang dami kong bagsak sa career ko, pero first time yun,” Aguilar concluded.
The victory over TNT also highlighted Ginebra’s ability to grind out wins against elite competition even while managing injuries and lineup adjustments throughout the conference. The team leaned on its trademark discipline, defensive execution, and veteran composure to close out the elimination round on a high note.
With momentum now firmly on their side, the Gin Kings head into the quarterfinals carrying a crucial twice-to-beat advantage. They are set to face the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Friday, May 15, once again at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where Ginebra hopes to continue its strong Commissioner’s Cup campaign and strengthen its bid for another PBA championship.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply