Aguilar makes big splash for Tropang Texters in PBA return

Japeth Aguilar played like a man possessed in his return to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and to Talk 'N Text in its Philippine Cup title defense with a 98-80 rout of sister team Meralco Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. The 6-foot-9 Aguilar, the former national team member out of Western Kentucky University, powered his way inside the paint, scoring 19 of his game-high 27 points in the first half when the reigning champions began to rip the game apart. The 2009 top rookie pick punctuated his first pro game in two years with several highlight-reel plays, including one in transition, an in-your-face slam dunk off former fellow Smart Gilas-Pilipinas teammate Jason Ballesteros late in the second period for a 44-28 Talk 'N Text lead. Jason Castro added 14 points while Jared Dillinger and Harvey Carey scored 11 each to make up for the absence of key players Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams. The three were allowed a three-game leave by management following their recent stint with Gilas in the 26th FIBA-Asia Championship For Men. Injuries again hampered Meralco's campaign as Sol Mercado, Reynel Hugnatan and Chris Ross failed to suit up for the match, while top gunner Mark Cardona suffered a sprained right ankle in his return game after missing most of last season. Cardona, the shooting guard from La salle who injured his knee last season, finished with only two points. The Bolts, in the absence of their offensive threats, leaned on Gabby Espinas' 20 points while new recruit Chico Lanete and Chris Timberlake scored 13 and 10 apice. Meralco fell behind by as much as 26, 89-63, with still five minutes left in the game clock. — JVP/OMG, GMA News