By Ronnie Nathanielsz

FORMER University Athletic Association of the Philippines standout Japeth Aguilar played some quality minutes in Western Kentucky University?s 67-59 win over South Alabama in a key Sun Belt Conference showdown on Sunday (Manila time).

In front of a packed house at Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and a national television audience following the action on ESPN 2, Aguilar came off the bench and played for just six minutes, but battled the South Alabama big men all the way.

In his brief stint on the court, Aguilar, the son of former Philippine Basketball Association player Peter Aguilar and played for Ateneo in the Philippine collegiate league, made one out of two field goal attempts, hauled down two crucial offensive rebounds to add to one defensive rebound. He also had one shot block.

Aguilar, who has been used sparingly by coach Ken McDonald since he is coming off a metatarsal injury in his right foot, did his best against a bigger and stronger rebounding team that eventually got the better off the boards, 39-32. 

McDonald, in a post-game interview, commended the Hilltoppers on their rebounding success. ?It was big. It was really big. We were getting hurt inside.?

With the win, WKU remained unbeaten at home at 11-0. They extended their home winning streak to 13 straight and avenged their only home loss in their last 27 games.

The Hilltoppers remained in first place in the SBC East Division standings.

Aguilar is returning to Manila after his graduation in May and has committed to try out for the Philippine Team under coach Yeng Guiao.