Ginebra's Japeth Aguilar. File photo

MANILA, Philippines – An injury to his left Achilles tendon forced All-Star forward Japeth Aguilar to miss Game 1 of Barangay Ginebra’s semifinal series against Rain or Shine on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Aguilar, who is averaging 15.9 points and 6.9 rebounds in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, has not been practicing since the Gin Kings wrapped up a two-game sweep of Meralco in the quarterfinals, according to coach Tim Cone.

“He got hit in his Achilles, so he has some significant swelling in his Achilles tendon area. We don't know exactly how long he'll be out. We're hoping he can suit up for Game 2, but we certainly didn't want to risk him tonight with that swelling,” Cone told reporters.

The good news for Ginebra was that they took care of Rain or Shine even without Aguilar. With Justin Brownlee nearly registering a triple-double (35 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists), the Gin Kings claimed a 102-89 win and a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

READ: Gin Kings destroy No. 1 ROS to start semis

“Best part about doing this game tonight was being able to do it and win it without Japeth,” Cone said.

It was initially reported that Aguilar had a slight tear in his Achilles, but a “further review” just showed swelling, according to Cone. 

However, Ginebra still did not want to risk the health of the All-Star forward.

“We're being very cautious with him for two reasons. One is that we want to make sure that he plays in this series. We don't want him to play one game and miss all the rest,” said Cone. “We'd rather he miss one game and play all the rest.”

“And also, he's a national team player. So we don't wanna mess with him as a national team player as well. We want to make sure he stays healthy,” the coach pointed out.

If all goes well for Ginebra, Aguilar can play in Game 2 of the semifinals on Tuesday at the Big Dome.

Aguilar said his condition is improving daily, and he is fairly hopeful that he can suit up for Game 2.

“Kanina, decision din para hindi masyadong mapilit, so nag-decide ako muna na ipahinga,” he said. “Hopefully, total may games pa naman… hopefully Game 2, makabalik na.”

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