As the stakes rose, RJ Abarrientos showed no fear and delivered a stellar quarterfinal performance that carried Ginebra past a twice-to-beat Converge and back into the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
RJ Abarrientos continues to prove why he is the gift that keeps on giving for Barangay Ginebra.
The reigning Rookie of the Year was at the heart of Ginebra's surge into the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, delivering when it mattered most in their dramatic quarterfinal series victory over the Converge FiberXers.
Across Ginebra’s final two wins, Abarrientos averaged 27.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 steals to earn the latest PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors for December 25–29.
He ignited for Ginebra on Christmas Day, pouring 30 of his career-high 35 points in the second half to fuel a commanding 105–85 win that forced a sudden death encounter.
With Ginebra’s season hanging in the balance, Abarrientos stayed composed, finishing with 20 points, three assists, and two steals in a thrilling 99–98 overtime escape that sealed the upset of the higher-seeded FiberXers.
While Stephen Holt’s game-winning triple completed the dramatic win, Abarrientos stepped up to the plate once more with another solid outing.
“Sobrang, alam mo ’yun, parang nasa Ginebra ka na tapos nakikita mo pa ’yung mga shots na ganun. So parang times two, times three ’yung saya,” Abarrientos said after the game.
[ALSO READ: RJ Abarrientos after Ginebra’s thrilling entry to PBA semis: ‘Grabe yung puso ng lahat’]
Now, the spotlight only grows brighter as Ginebra gears up for a blockbuster best-of-seven semifinal showdown against defending champion San Miguel Beer beginning Sunday, January 4.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.