JAPETH Aguilar admitted instinct got the better of him after getting involved in a heated confrontation which involved his father and San Miguel Beer forward Gabby Espinas during the PBA Governors Cup quarterfinals Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 6-foot-9 Ginebra cager regretted a little bit the confrontation he had with the San Miguel player, but stressed it was a natural thing for a son to come to his father's defense.
Aguilar had a verbal spat with Espinas after seeing the veteran forward confronting his dad, former PBA player Peter Aguilar, who was sitting at ringside.
"I just found out something about myself. It just came out naturally," said Aguilar moments after the Kings ended the Beermen's season - and grand slam bid - with a 104-94 win.
"It's a natural thing, it's a family thing."
The incident occured in the waning seconds of the third period with Ginebra holding a 61-72 lead.
Both Espinas and Aguilar were whistled for technical fouls, along with coach Tim Cone for entering the court.
As far as his recollection is concerned, it was the first technical foul of his pro career.
"In my entire career, it was my first time na napikon ako sa isang player," said Aguilar, who had 13 points and five rebounds in the win that propelled the reigning champions to the semifinals.
But Aguilar said he has nothing against Espinas.
“It's just basically two players competing against each other," he said. "And I know Gabby, he just plays hard."
And his father?
"Wala na pinauwi ko na," he said in between laughs before excusing himself.
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