Injury blow for Barangay Ginebra as Japeth Aguilar is sidelined with lung complication 

The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again showed why they remain one of the premier franchises in the Philippine Basketball Association, overpowering the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 119–107, on Sunday, April 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The victory allowed the Gin Kings to continue their steady rise in the standings as the Commissioner’s Cup elimination round intensifies.

Barangay Ginebra leaned on its star duo of Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos, who delivered another offensive masterclass. Brownlee led the charge with 35 points, showcasing his all-around brilliance and leadership, while Abarrientos provided a crucial scoring punch with 25 markers, keeping the pressure on the Titan defense throughout the contest. Their combined firepower proved too much for the Risers, particularly in the second half where Ginebra created enough separation to secure the win.

Despite the convincing result, the Gin Kings had to navigate the game without veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, whose absence was felt in the paint. Aguilar was sidelined due to a lung issue and is currently recovering in the hospital after suffering a hard fall during Ginebra’s 115–107 victory over the Blackwater Bossing last weekend.

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The team remains optimistic about Aguilar’s condition. He is expected to be discharged either Monday or Tuesday, though his return to game action remains uncertain. His injury has prompted concern given his importance to Ginebra’s interior defense and rebounding presence, but early indications suggest the situation is not life-threatening.

Cone says Japeth Aguilar will soon be discharged from the hospital.

“He is out of danger and it is not serious apparently,” says Cone. | @spinph

— Reuben Terrado (@reubensports) April 26, 2026

Head coach Tim Cone addressed Aguilar’s status during the postgame press conference, admitting that even he is still trying to fully understand the medical details.

“I really can’t tell you, I can’t even pronounce the words they were using. He basically has some air in his lungs and they had to take it out. There is a medical term for it, but I can’t tell you what it is,” Cone said.

“I believe he is still in the hospital. We expect him to come out tomorrow or Tuesday. We don’t really know a timeframe in terms of when he will be back to the lineup and be ready to play, I think the first step is wait for him to leave the hospital.

“He is out of danger and he is not serious apparently. I hope I’m telling you the right information, but that’s what I know so far. Hopefully, we will put a game plan together in terms of getting him back in the lineup,” he concluded.

In Aguilar’s absence, Ginebra’s depth and system once again came to the fore. The team compensated with increased activity on both ends, relying on quick ball movement, perimeter shooting, and disciplined defense to neutralize any disadvantage inside. Their ability to adapt without one of their key veterans underscores the depth and championship pedigree that has defined the franchise for years.

With momentum on their side, the Gin Kings will look to extend their winning run when they face the Meralco Bolts on Friday, May 1, once again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The upcoming matchup presents another opportunity for Ginebra to solidify its position in the standings while continuing to adjust in the absence of Aguilar.

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