Aguilar makes big play as Texters nip Boosters

Talk 'N Text center Japeth Aguilar made the biggest play of the game. Aguilar grabbed the offensive rebound and sank the game-winning basket as the defending champion Tropang Texters escaped past the Petron Blaze Boosters, 80-78, to earn a twice-to-beat incentive heading into the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals Tuesday night at the Araneta Coliseum. Aguilar's heroics came in the final 3.7 seconds of the thrilling contest and the Tropang Texters facing a 78-77 deficit. The former Western Kentucky University big man grabbed the rebound after Harvey Carey split his charities, scored on a putback plus a foul to boot that shoved the Texters in front, 79-78, with 1.6 seconds left. He sank the bonus free throw for the final count as the reigning All-Filipino Conference champions clinched their 10th win in 13 games to remain on top and move closer to clinching the No. 1 spot in the playoffs. The three-point play was Aguilar's only offensive output in the game. He also added three rebounds and a steal in 15 minutes of play. Kelly Williams paced Talk 'N Text with 20 points as he brought the Texters back from a 40-29 halftime deficit.   The telecommunications franchise eventually grabbed the lead, 76-73, with a full minute remaining. But the Boosters countered with five straight unanswered points, including Alex Cabagnot's crucial three-pointer that put Petron back on top, 78-76, with 12 seconds left in the clock.  Denok Miranda led the Boosters with 15 points while Cabagnot added 14. The Boosters dropped to third place as they lost for the second straight game for a 9-5 card and are in danger of missing the No. 2 spot and the twice-to-beat edge that goes with it. — JVP/KG, GMA News Scores: