Despite glowing numbers, Aguilar unhappy with his 'poor' defense on Arwind Santos

Japeth Aguilar admits his defense needs work and he hopes to show some improvement right off the bat when they battle Jared Dillinger and the Bolts. Jerome Ascano

WHILE he has certainly taken great strides on the offensive end this season, fast-rising Barangay Ginebra forward Japeth Aguilar is far from satisfied with his game.

The 6-foot-9 Aguilar banged in 25 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and added two blocks to help Ginebra plaster sister team Petron Blaze, 97-83, in their marquee Christmas Day match-up on Wednesday in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup.

But after scanning the stats sheet and seeing his chief defensive assignment Arwind Santos, the league’s reigning MVP finishing with a double-double of 18 points and 16 rebounds, Aguilar said he’s far from where he wants his game to be.

“Kulang pa ako, pangit kasi defense ko,” Aguilar, named the Best Player of the Game, shared to Spin.ph. “Wala masyado akong depensa, naiiwanan ko siya (Santos), kasi kapag nag-help side ako, marami rin siyang rebound.”

Santos, the 6’4” Petron forward, managed to use his quickness and perimeter shooting to get by Aguilar, who is one of the best shot-blockers in the league today.

Aguilar flashed a brief smile as he saw Ginebra move to the top with a No. 1 spot when they face first round tormentor Meralco Bolts on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.