RJ Abarrientos was once again at the forefront of Ginebra’s attack in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals Sunday, Jan. 4.
RJ Abarrientos put on a show for the third straight playoff game for Ginebra, as though he was trying to silence his naysayers.
In the Gin Kings’ 99-90 win over San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals opener Sunday night, Jan. 4, Abarrientos starred with 23 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
Asked about his string of impressive performances that also included a 35-point output in the quarterfinals against Converge, the spitfire guard said the FiberXers’ physicality had a lot to do with it.
“Siguro, nakatulong sa’kin individually 'yong physicality ng Converge, the way they played defense against me,” Abarrientos said after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The 5-foot-9 playmaker said he made sure to be ready against the Beermen, who parade burly, physical guards like Chris Ross and Jericho Cruz.
“Sobrang pinaghandaan ko siguro 'yong physicality noong Converge game pa lang. So 'yon ang in-adopt ko. Pinanood ko ang mga videos [at kinuha ang mga] puwede kong i-apply at matulong sa team,” Abarrientos said.
[WATCH: Ginebra displays never-say-die attitude vs Converge in OT, enters semis | Fantastic Finish]
“Dinahan-dahan ko lang and [I made sure] na ready ako 'pag mangyari 'yon lalo sa Game 1 na kailangang-kailangan naming makuha.”
RJ Abarrientos emerges as the Player of the Game. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Abarrientos was the architect in Ginebra’s breakaway in the final four minutes.
He made some big plays, including a slick pass to Troy Rosario after drawing defense on a drive to give a 93-85 lead to Ginebra.
Within that stretch, he scored seven points before Scottie Thompson brought the team home with a breakaway layup.
But while the limelight was on Abarrientos, Thompson silently worked his way to 22 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block.
Ralph Cu added 13 points on four triples, while Jayson David scored 10 as the Gin Kings gained the head start in the best-of-seven series.
Ginebra also did a good job denying June Mar Fajardo an opportunity to inflict more damage down the stretch.
The nine-time Most Valuable Player, though, still finished with 27 points and 23 rebounds. He also had three assists, a steal and a block.
Cjay Perez fired 18 markers he topped with four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Marcio Lassiter added 12 points on a night Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz struggled, combining for a measly nine points.
Game 2 is set Wednesday, Jan. 7, also at the Big Dome.
Ginebra vs. San Miguel Scores:
Ginebra 99 – Abarrientos 23, Thompson 22, Cu 13, David 10, Torres 8, Rosario 8, J.Aguilar 7, Holt 6, Gray 2, Pinto 0, Estil 0
San Miguel 90 – Fajardo 27, Perez 18, Lassiter 12, Tiongson 8, Trollano 5, Calma 4, Cruz 4, Cahilig 3, Tautuaa 3, Brondial 2, Rosales 2
Quarterscores: 26-18, 48-46, 72-73, 99-90
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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.