RJ Abarrientos fueled Ginebra's charge against Converge to stay alive in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinal showdown.
It’s the RJ Abarrientos show on Christmas Day.
Abarrientos went beast mode in the second half on his way to a career-high 35 points in No. 5 Ginebra’s 105-85 drubbing of fourth-ranked, twice-to-beat-armed Converge in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals Thursday, Dec. 25.
Quiet in the first two quarters of action, the spitfire guard fired 30 points in the second half, including four free throws in the final minute as the Gin Kings dragged the FiberXers into a do-or-die battle for a semifinal seat Sunday, Dec. 28.
“First of all, just playing the game and just reading the game, kung ano ang mga ibinibigay sa'kin ng defense,” said Abarrientos after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: RJ Abarrientos sizzles as Ginebra forces rubber match vs Converge in QF]
He then shared that coach Tim Cone asked him to be aggressive during the break.
That turned out to be the only reminder he needed to be at his best and salvage Ginebra’s season.
“Coach Tim went to me. He said that I was not looking for my shots, and I was not aggressive. 'Yon 'yong itinatak ko sa utak ko,” Abarrientos said.
“I kept reminding myself na hindi puwedeng hindi ako gumalaw o makapag-contribute sa team kasi kami-kami lang naman ang inaasahan dito.”
[ALSO READ: PBA: San Miguel flexes experience over NLEX in semis-clinching win]
Triple-double for Scottie Thompson
Scottie Thompson also made an impact for the Gin Kings as he posted a triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
Japeth Aguilar added 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and four blocks for the Gin Kings.
“I’m very happy and thankful sa mga coaches just for reminding us para maglaro nang maayos. Hats off sa team at sa coaching staff namin,” said Abarrientos.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Don Trollano makes up for scoreless 1st half in SMB win vs NLEX in QF]
Ginebra also tamed Converge super rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño, who set a career-high 32 points in his team's 106-96 win against the Gin Kings in the elimination round.
In JGDL's first playoff game in the PBA, he submitted nine points and five rebounds.
Justin Arana was also saddled by early foul trouble and wound up with six points, four rebounds and six assists.
It was Justine Baltazar who carried the FiberXers with 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Schonny Winston and Alec Stockton added 14 and 12 markers, respectively.
Ginebra vs. Converge Scores:
GINEBRA 105– Abarrientos 35, J.Aguilar 16, Thompson 13, Holt 11, Rosario 10, Cu 8, David 6, Torres 2, Gray 2, Estil 0, R.Aguilar 0
CONVERGE 85 – Baltazar 19, Winston 14, Garcia 10, Gomez de Liano 9, Manuel 7, Arana 6, Concepcion 5, Muyang 3, Racal 0, Caralipio 0, Eguilos 0, Delos Santos 0
Quarterscores: 23-21, 41-42, 70-64, 105-85
—
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.