Abarrientos Erupts as Ginebra Moves Within One Win of Finals Berth

RJ Abarrientos bounced back in emphatic fashion, delivering a stellar offensive performance to propel Barangay Ginebra to a 111-104 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 5 of their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner's Cup semifinal series Friday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

After being held to just eight points in the previous game, the reigning Rookie of the Year rediscovered his scoring touch, firing 31 points on 12-of-21 shooting to help the Gin Kings seize a crucial 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven showdown.

Abarrientos did most of his damage after halftime, scoring 18 of his points in the second half while spearheading Ginebra's decisive third-quarter surge. He also knocked down four three-pointers and filled the stat sheet with eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Import Justin Brownlee matched Abarrientos' output with 31 points, adding eight assists and four rebounds, while Troy Rosario contributed 16 points and seven rebounds in another solid outing.

A key factor in Ginebra's victory was its improved ball movement after struggling offensively in Game 4. The Gin Kings connected on 16 shots from beyond the arc and dished out 25 assists, consistently creating quality looks for their shooters.

“We knew our three-point shots were down from Game 4, but that was because the ball didn’t move,” head coach Tim Cone said. “Tonight, the ball moved.”

Ralph Cu provided valuable support off the bench, scoring all eight of his points in the fourth quarter, including a pair of timely three-pointers that helped keep Rain or Shine at bay.

The Elasto Painters mounted a serious challenge in the third period behind Adrian Nocum, who erupted for 15 of his 25 points in the quarter and fueled a rally that trimmed the deficit to just three points.

However, Ginebra answered with a strong closing stretch. Abarrientos and Brownlee combined to restore order, with the young guard drilling a four-point shot at the buzzer to give the Kings an 83-71 lead heading into the final frame.

Ginebra then tightened its defense in the fourth quarter, holding Nocum scoreless the rest of the way while steadily protecting its advantage before pulling away in front of a lively home crowd.

Jaylen Johnson paced Rain or Shine with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Jhonard Clarito registered a double-double with 20 points and 10 boards. Gian Mamuyac and Caelan Tiongson added 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the losing effort.

With the series momentum firmly in their favor, the Gin Kings will aim to finish off Rain or Shine and book another Finals appearance when Game 6 takes place Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.