Philippines kicks off Asian Cup bid with win vs. Saudi Arabia
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RJ Abarrientos erupts to help Ginebra reclaim series lead
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel secured a 2-1 lead in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals against the San Miguel Beermen with a 100-90 win on Sunday, June 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
RJ Abarrientos stepped up big, delivering an almost triple-double performance of 24 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists to lead the Gin Kings in regaining the upper hand.
Jamie Malonzo and Japeth Aguilar followed through with 20 and 18 markers, respectively. Malonzo also contributed four rebounds and two assists, while Aguilar had seven boards, two dimes, three steals, and two blocks.
Scottie Thompson and Stephen Holt also scored in double figures to help Ginebra clinch the Game 3 win. Thompson finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block, while Holt had 10 markers, seven boards, and one deflection.
Photo Courtesy: PBA
“I’m just real proud of the guys for steadying themselves. We figured a couple of things out. I felt we played with a really good tempo, and then RJ played tremendous down the stretch to keep them at bay,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
On the other hand, Don Trollano led San Miguel with 22 points and three rebounds, followed by JuneMar Fajardo’s 12 markers and a game-high 14 boards, along with three dimes and a block.
Three other Beermen also scored in double figures—CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz with 11 apiece, while Juami Tiongson added 10.
It was a tight contest early on, with Ginebra edging San Miguel in the opening period, 23-20, before SMB stormed back in the second quarter to take a 50-46 halftime lead.
But the Gin Kings took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Beermen 25-14 to reclaim the lead at 71-64, and sealed the deal in the final frame with a 29-26 edge to secure the 10-point victory.
“I’m just real proud of the guys for steadying themselves. We figured a couple of things out. I felt we played with a really good tempo, and then RJ played tremendous down the stretch to keep them at bay,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
Who will take Game 4? We’ll find out on Wednesday, July 2, at 5:00 PM, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The scores:
GINEBRA 100 – Abarrientos 24, Malonzo 20, J. Aguilar 18, Thompson 16, Holt 10, Ahanmisi 7, Rosario 5, Pinto 0, R. Aguilar 0, Gray 0, David 0.
SAN MIGUEL 90 – Trollano 22, Fajardo 12, Cruz 11, Perez 11, Tiongson 10, Tautuaa 8, Ross 6, Lassiter , Rosales 3, Brondial 2, Cahilig 0.
