PUKPOK KUNG PUKPOK
That’s how Japeth Aguilar described Barangay Ginebra’s 98-77 pouncing of GlobalPort on Friday to advance to the second phase of the Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
The lanky forward had 19 points, seven rebounds, and six blocks to pace the Gin Kings in the victory, which he attributed it to the squad’s killer mentality in approaching this match.
“Iniisip lang namin na kailangan naming taasan yung intensity, energy, at effort namin kasi playoffs na eh,” he said. “Ayaw na namin paabutin sa do-or-die game kaya hangga’t may pagkakataon kami kanina, pukpok talaga.”
Ginebra owned a twice-to-beat edge in their game against GlobalPort, but when they square off against Talk ‘N Text on Tuesday, it will be a one-game knockout affair. And Aguilar doesn’t want to be complacent despite the Kings owning a clear height advantage.
“Sobrang iba nila, tapos kumpleto pa sila ngayon. Ibang-iba yung laro nila from our opening game. Talagang nag-improve sila,” Aguilar said, recalling Ginebra’s 101-81 opening day conquest of the Tropang Texters.
“Nasa chemistry ng team yan eh. Di sila ganung katangkaran pero they can kill you from any part of the court kasi shooter yung bigs nila. Kailangan talaga naming paghandaan.” (RL)
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