RJ Abarrientos turned in a tour-de-force performance against Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup in Bahrain for his late aunt who was watching him from above.
RJ Abarrientos led the fourth quarter uprising of Ginebra as it completed a come-from-behind 102-100 win over Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup in Bahrain early Thursday morning, Dec. 18.
As it turned out, there was a reason for Abarrientos’ inspired play.
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Abarrientos collected 25 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals, and dedicated these to his aunt, who passed away as he and the rest of his teammates are in the Gulf country.
“Actually, this game is for my auntie. She passed away two days ago,” said the pint-sized guard, who was trying to hold back his tears during the post-game interview.
“Nandito kami sa Bahrain. Nalaman namin ni tito (Ginebra assistant coach Johnny Abarrientos) na namatay ang kapatid niya, kapatid ng mommy ko. So walang dahilan kung hindi maglaro ng maayos para sa tita ko.”
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Abarrientos scored nine inside the final 2:17, the last a three-point play off his steal that tied the count at 98-all.
In the ensuing play, high-flying Elasto Painter Adrian Nocum skied out of nowhere for the tip-in, but Scottie Thompson swished a three-pointer and split his shots from the foul line to seal Ginebra’s seat in the Last Eight.
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The Gin Kings, who were down by as many as 14 points in the final frame, improved to 6-4 for joint fifth with fellow qualifiers Meralco and Magnolia.
Titan Ultra, ninth at 4-6, was eliminated.
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Thompson registered 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Stephen Holt added 15 markers, seen boards, three assists and a steal for Ginebra.
“Sobrang daming ups and downs ngayong laro. Talagang ang daming frustrations. Sinasabi lang ng mga coaches na mag-stay together, maglaro lang within our system, not their system,” said Abarrientos.
Meanwhile, Felix Lemetti led all Rain or Shine scorers with 14 points he spiked with four rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Adrian Nocum scored 13, while Jhonard Clarito punched in 13 points, 10 boards and two dimes for the Elasto Painters, who slipped to second behind San Miguel (8-2) as they ended their elimination round campaign with an 8-3 record.
Rain or Shine, like the Beermen, is already assured of a Top Four finish that comes with a win-once bonus.
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Ginebra vs. Rain or Shine Scores:
Ginebra 102 – Abarrientos 25, Thompson 16, Holt 15, Torres 9, Gray 8, J.Aguilar 7, Cu 6, Rosario 6, Estil 5, David 4, Pinto 0
Rain or Shine 100– Lemetti 14, Clarito 13, Nocum 13, Tiongson 11, Mamuyac 11, Santillan 10, Norwood 9, Asistio 7, Porter 5, Caracut 3, Malonzo 2, Belga 2
Quarterscores: 23-18, 49-49, 65-77, 102-100
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.