Ginebra took a 2-1 lead over San Miguel in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals, thanks in large part to RJ Abarrientos’ late-game heroics.
RJ Abarrientos made quite a noise after a quiet first two games in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals Sunday, June 29.
Abarrientos made things happen when it mattered most for Ginebra as it thumped San Miguel, 100-90, in Game 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“Siguro 'yong nagkatulong sa’kin 'yong pag-motivate sa'kin ng mga coaches,” said the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award, who finished with a near triple-double of 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
“Sabi nila sa’kin, if I have shots, take it. Hindi nila ako pinipigilan.”
This freedom made Abarrientos put on a show in the fourth period.
The pint-sized guard was creating for his teammates, knocking down shots and securing rebounds as the Gin Kings regained a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
RJ Abarrientos is unstoppable in the payoff period. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Abarrientos — who averaged 4.5 points entering Game 3 — dropped 18 of his total output in the final quarter where Ginebra turned a tight game into a breakaway.
His five straight points at the 2:20 mark pushed Ginebra’s lead to 14, 96-82.
The Beermen tried to stage an uprising, but time just weren't on their side.
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Ginebra coach Tim Cone praised Abarrientos after the match.
“RJ just played tremendous down the stretch to keep them at bay,” said Cone, who added that he felt good about beating a team as formidable as the Beermen.
Abarrientos also deflected credit to his supportive teammates.
Before the nephew of PBA great Johnny Abarrientos took center stage, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Agular and Scottie Thompson also did a splendid job.
Malonzo turned in 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
Aguilar shot 16, while Thompson contributed 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block.
“'Yong confidence ko, galing sa teammates ko, galing sa coaches kong nag-re-remind sa'kin na 'Just do your thing.' Gawin mo ang dapat mong gawin para makatulong sa team,” Abarrientos said.
Meanwhile, Don Trollano paced SMB with 22 points and three rebounds.
June Mar Fajardo is slowly regaining full strength following a calf injury he sustained in the opener as he finished with a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds. He also had three assists and a block.
Jericho Cruz and Cjay Perez added 11 markers each.
Ginebra vs. San Miguel scores:
GINEBRA 100 – Abarrientos 24, Malonzo 20, J.Aguilar 18, Thompson 16, Holt 10, Ahanmisi 7, Rosario 5, Pinto 0, R. Aguilar 0, Gray 0.
SAN MIGUEL 90 – Trollano 22, Fajardo 12, Cruz 11, Perez 11, Tiongson 10, Ross 6, Tuatuaa 6, Lassiter 5, Rosales 3, Brondial 2, Cahilig 0.
Quarterscores: 23-20, 46-50, 71-64, 100-90.