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Tag: RJ Abarrientos

  • After ending Ginebra’s drought, RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario embrace new challenge 

    After ending Ginebra’s drought, RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario embrace new challenge 

    For most players, winning a championship comes with a chance to slow down, celebrate, and finally catch their breath.

     

    For RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario, it meant packing their bags for national team duty.

     

    Just days after helping Barangay Ginebra end its three-year title drought in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, the two Gin Kings traded championship festivities for Gilas Pilipinas practice, joining the national squad as preparations intensified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The transition from champions to national team players happened almost instantly.

     

    Rather than extending the celebration following Ginebra’s dramatic seven-game Finals victory over TNT, Abarrientos and Rosario reported for Gilas duties on June 22, becoming part of a squad now preparing for difficult road assignments against New Zealand and Australia.

     

    For Abarrientos, the decision required little thought.

     

    “Unang-una, hindi ka mapapag-no kapag tinawag ka ng Gilas Pilipinas at para maglaro sa bayan,” he said.

     

    “There’s no reason para magpahinga at ilaban itong window na ito.”

     

    The star guard has emerged as one of the brightest young faces in Philippine basketball. After earning Best Player of the Conference honors and playing a major role in Ginebra’s title run, he could have easily opted for recovery after a physically demanding season.

     

    Instead, he viewed the call-up as another opportunity.

     

    “Hindi lahat ng players ay nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na magsuot ng jersey at i-represent ang kanilang bansa,” Abarrientos said on playing for Gilas.

     

    “Very blessed, thankful ako na part pa rin ako dito sa Gilas with the other guys.”

    Rosario’s path to the Final 12 carried a different significance.

     

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    The veteran forward had previously served as a practice player during earlier qualification windows, waiting patiently for an opportunity to earn a roster spot. This time, the opportunity arrived.

     

    “Sobrang blessed kasi I was part of the Gilas two windows na practice player and to be called up for the Final 12 ay isang malaking karangalan,” Rosario said.

     

    His promotion came at a time when many players would still be enjoying the aftermath of a championship run.

     

    Instead, Rosario quickly shifted gears.

     

    “Medyo nag-e-enjoy pa ako sa pagse-celebrate ng championship sa Ginebra,” Rosario said.

    “Pero may call eh. Kailangan kong i-postpone muna ‘yung celebration to focus sa preparation dito sa upcoming window.”

     

    The sacrifice highlights the challenge many Gilas players face—balancing club commitments with the responsibility of representing the country.

     

    Now in Brisbane, Australia, Gilas is undergoing an overseas training camp designed to help the team acclimatize before taking on two of the toughest opponents in the region. The Philippines faces New Zealand in Auckland on July 3 before traveling to Perth for a showdown against Australia on July 6.

     

    For Abarrientos and Rosario, the champagne celebrations have already been replaced by scouting reports, practices, and preparation.

     

    The championship may have been won, but another challenge has already begun.

     

     

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  • Ginebra duo rules Commissioner’s Cup honors 

    Ginebra duo rules Commissioner’s Cup honors 

    Before Game 4 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals even tipped off, Barangay Ginebra had already secured two major victories.

     

    RJ Abarrientos and Justin Brownlee were officially recognized as the conference’s top local and import performers, giving the Gin Kings a clean sweep of the individual honors and further highlighting the depth of talent that powered their latest championship push.

     

    For Abarrientos, the award represented more than just statistical excellence. It marked the next milestone in a career that has steadily moved from promise to production.

     

    The sophomore guard entered the season carrying expectations after a successful rookie campaign. By the end of the conference, he had established himself as one of the league’s premier backcourt weapons.

     

    His defining stretch came during the semifinals against Rain or Shine.

     

    With the series hanging in the balance, Abarrientos elevated his game exactly when Ginebra needed it most. He averaged 22.0 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.

     

    More importantly, he delivered when the pressure peaked.

     

    The former Korean Basketball League and B.League standout erupted for 31 points in Game 5 before following it up with another 30-point performance in the series-clinching Game 6 victory, helping Ginebra return to the Finals.

     

    Those performances proved enough to overcome players who had spent most of the conference atop the race.

     

    Despite finishing third in statistical points with 37.2, Abarrientos surged ahead through media and player votes to collect 1,147 total points, comfortably beating Robert Bolick, June Mar Fajardo, Ricci Rivero, and Jerrick Ahanmisi.

     

    The award also carried family significance.

     

    Abarrientos now joins his uncle Johnny Abarrientos in the list of Best Player of the Conference winners. Remarkably, he reached the achievement faster than the PBA legend, claiming the honor in only his second season.

     

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    If Abarrientos represented the league’s future, Brownlee continued proving why he remains one of its enduring standards.

     

    At 38 years old, the Ginebra resident import added another chapter to an already legendary résumé by claiming his fourth Best Import award.

     

    The recognition moved him into a tie for second all-time among import award winners, trailing only Bobby Parks Sr., whose seven trophies remain the benchmark.

     

    Brownlee’s latest triumph was built on consistency.

     

    While several imports delivered explosive performances throughout the conference, none matched his ability to produce at a high level every night while guiding his team through the toughest stages of the tournament.

     

    During the semifinals, Brownlee averaged 29.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks, serving as the centerpiece of Ginebra’s offense and defense.

     

    His biggest challenger was Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson, who opened their semifinal series with a dominant 40-point, 19-rebound performance.

     

    But as the series progressed, Brownlee’s steady brilliance separated him from the field.

     

    By the close of voting, Brownlee accumulated 1,284 points to comfortably finish ahead of Johnson, TNT reinforcement Chris McCullough, and Meralco’s Patrick Gardner.

     

    McCullough and Gardner entered the race under unusual circumstances, both arriving as replacement imports after Bol Bol and Marvin Jones exited their respective teams during the conference.

     

    In the end, however, the awards reflected two very different stories converging on the same stage.

     

    One belonged to a rising star who announced himself as one of the league’s new faces.

     

    The other belonged to a veteran who continues to redefine longevity and excellence.

     

    Together, Abarrientos and Brownlee ensured that before the Finals battle resumed, Barangay Ginebra had already claimed the conference’s highest individual honors.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos says Stephen Holt’s emergence gives Ginebra another Finals weapon 

    RJ Abarrientos says Stephen Holt’s emergence gives Ginebra another Finals weapon 

    For most of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Stephen Holt’s contributions could not be measured by points.

     

    His defensive assignments, floor spacing, and ability to fit seamlessly into Barangay Ginebra’s system rarely showed up in the box score. Through the first two games against TNT, Holt managed just a single point, yet remained a fixture in coach Tim Cone’s rotation.

     

    That changed dramatically in Game 3.

     

    Holt erupted for 23 points and provided the early spark that helped Ginebra seize control en route to a convincing 116-102 victory, giving the Gin Kings a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

     

    For teammate RJ Abarrientos, the performance was less of a surprise and more of a reminder of what makes Ginebra dangerous.

     

    “Si Scuba, (Stephen Holt’s nickname in the team), isa sa mga beterano namin. Isa sa mga go-to-guy namin ‘yan,” said Abarrientos.

     

    “Ang nakikita lang kasi ng tao siyempre ‘yung mga stats eh. About Scuba, sa loob ng court, ang laking factor ‘yun sa amin. Kita niyo naman. Hindi kami pinahiya sa first quarter. Siya ‘yung spark plug, siya nag-start ng offense namin.

     

    “Dahan-dahan, nakuha na namin lahat ng tira namin. Sobrang nakita namin ‘yung Scuba na kailangan namin ngayong Game 3.”

     

    In many ways, Holt’s explosion reflected the identity Ginebra has embraced throughout the conference.

     

    Unlike teams that rely heavily on one or two scorers, the Gin Kings have built a roster where different players can carry the offense depending on the matchup and the flow of the game.

     

    Earlier in the Finals, Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario, and Abarrientos himself all had moments where they shouldered the scoring load. Game 3 simply became Holt’s turn.

     

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    According to Abarrientos, it was only a matter of time.

     

    “Siya talaga ‘yung hinihintay namin. Nagsimula nung dumating sila sa Ginebra, sila ‘yung pinaka go-to namin. Hindi na kami nagulat na ganun ‘yung gagawin niya sa team,” said Abarrientos.

     

    The timing could not have been better.

     

    Facing a TNT squad determined to reclaim momentum after its Game 2 victory, Ginebra needed another offensive option to complement Brownlee and prevent the Tropang 5G defense from focusing on a single player.

     

    Holt delivered exactly that, helping the Kings build a massive early lead that ultimately proved too much for TNT to overcome.

     

    More importantly, his breakout reinforced what Abarrientos views as the team’s greatest advantage heading deeper into the Finals.

     

    “‘Yun ‘yung maganda sa sistema namin with Ginebra. Hindi mo alam kung sino ang iiskor sa amin. Hindi rin about sa stats eh. After the game, stats lagi ‘yung tinitignan. (Game 3) si Scuba, si Scottie, lahat kami, JB, kahit sino ilagay mo,” said Abarrientos.

     

    With Game 4 looming and TNT expected to make another round of adjustments, Ginebra enters the pivotal contest knowing it possesses something every championship contender covets: multiple players capable of becoming the difference-maker on any given night.

     

    In Game 3, that player happened to be Stephen Holt. The challenge for TNT now is figuring out who it will be next.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos laughs off BPC talk, keeps eyes on Ginebra’s title chase 

    RJ Abarrientos laughs off BPC talk, keeps eyes on Ginebra’s title chase 

    For a player sitting atop the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference race, RJ Abarrientos seemed far more interested in cracking jokes than talking about individual accolades.

     

    As the league prepares to hand out its conference awards ahead of Game 4 of the Finals, the Barangay Ginebra guard found himself at the center of conversations surrounding the BPC plum. But rather than embracing the spotlight, Abarrientos quickly redirected attention to the only race he believes matters right now — the one for the championship.

     

    “Siyempre thankful ako, grateful ako,” Abarrientos said when asked about being the frontrunner for the award.

     

    Then came a response only he could deliver.

     

    “Nag-number one ako dati sa school, noisy lang,” he said with a laugh. “Number one noisy ako tapos pinapalabas ako ng teacher.”

     

    The room erupted in laughter as the 25-year-old continued the story.

     

    “Ngayon may pagkakataon na mag-number one, tapos ngayon sa basketball,” he added. “Dati kasi pinapalabas lang ako pag maingay sa school.”

     

    The lighthearted exchange reflected the personality that has made Abarrientos one of the league’s most relatable young stars. But beneath the humor lies a player fully locked in on Ginebra’s quest for another title.

     

    The sophomore guard made it clear that personal recognition takes a backseat to the bigger objective.

     

    “Game goes on,” he said.

     

    “Hindi ko tinitingnan yung individual awards. Kailangan na namin makuha yung Game 4, masarado namin at magtuloy-tuloy yung Finals.”

     

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    That mindset has helped fuel another breakout conference for Abarrientos.

     

    After capturing Rookie of the Year honors last season, the former Korean Basketball League standout has elevated his game further, becoming one of Ginebra’s most dependable weapons throughout the Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

     

    His impact was once again evident in Game 3 against TNT, where he delivered 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds while knocking down key baskets that helped preserve the Gin Kings’ lead during a late Tropang 5G rally.

     

    Those performances have pushed him to the top of the BPC standings, putting him in line to add another individual achievement to an already growing list of accomplishments.

     

    Still, Abarrientos remains amused more than anything by the attention.

     

    “Yun nga,” he said. “Nagulat din ako kasi dati talaga number one sa noisy.”

     

    “Hindi lang sa academics.”

     

    Despite Ginebra holding a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven Finals, Abarrientos knows the series is far from over.

     

    The former Far Eastern University standout expects TNT to come back with adjustments and believes Ginebra must be ready to respond if it hopes to move closer to the championship.

     

    “Malayo pa,” he said. “Makakapag-adjust sila. Let’s see kung ano yung maia-adjust namin.”

     

    For now, discussions about trophies and awards can wait.

     

    Abarrientos may be leading the BPC race, but as far as he is concerned, the most important number is still four — the number of wins needed to bring another championship to Barangay Ginebra.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos claims Player of the Week honor ahead of the PBA Finals 

    RJ Abarrientos claims Player of the Week honor ahead of the PBA Finals 

    RJ Abbarientos earned the final PBA Press Corps Player of the Week citation of the conference after spearheading the Gin Kings’ successful semifinal closeout against Rain or Shine, highlighted by consecutive 30-point outings that propelled his team back to the championship stage.


    Abarrientos averaged 23 points, 6.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals during the week, emerging as Ginebra’s top local performer as the Kings secured a return trip to the Finals.

     

    His biggest statement came in Game 6, where he poured in 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in a 118-107 victory that sealed the series in six games and booked a showdown with TNT. 

     

    It came just two days after he erupted for 31 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in Ginebra’s crucial 111-104 triumph in Game 5.

     

    “You could see it. I saw it in the locker room before the game. I can see it even yesterday during our film meeting. He just had it on his face and his body language that he is going to come out and have a big game,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone said.

     

    The explosive finish was a sharp response to Game 4, when Abarrientos was limited to just eight points in a 97-85 defeat after struggling to get involved offensively.

     

    Instead of fading after the setback, the sophomore guard elevated his game when Ginebra needed him most, combining for 61 points in Games 5 and 6 to help eliminate the Elasto Painters and move within four wins of his first PBA championship.

     

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    The timing of his surge could not be better for a Ginebra team seeking redemption against TNT. The upcoming Finals will mark another chapter in one of the PBA’s defining rivalries, with the Tropang 5G having won the last three championship meetings between the two franchises, including the previous Commissioner’s Cup Finals. 

     

    The series presents Abarrientos an opportunity to play a pivotal role in Ginebra’s bid to finally reverse that trend.

     

    More than the scoring, Abarrientos has shown an increasing ability to control games as a playmaker and floor leader. 

     

    Following the Game 6 victory, he emphasized that his focus extends beyond individual numbers and centers on guiding the team on the court—a responsibility that has grown alongside his role within the franchise. 

     

    That evolution has made him one of Ginebra’s most important players heading into the Finals and a key figure in the club’s pursuit of another title.

     

    The Player of the Week award, as voted upon by reporters regularly covering the PBA beat, serves as the final individual recognition of the conference before attention shifts entirely to the championship series. 

     

    Abarrientos will look to carry his strong form into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, which begin on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Barangay Ginebra will renew its rivalry with TNT in a highly anticipated title showdown. 

     

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  • Chot Reyes sees full-circle moment as RJ Abarrientos emerges as Ginebra’s rising force

    Chot Reyes sees full-circle moment as RJ Abarrientos emerges as Ginebra’s rising force

    Years ago, RJ Abarrientos was a young guard trying to earn a spot on the Gilas Pilipinas roster. Now, he enters the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals as one of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s biggest weapons and one of the players TNT coach Chot Reyes is most concerned about stopping.


    Ahead of the championship series, Reyes reflected on Abarrientos’ remarkable growth, recalling how he pushed for the then-rising guard to be included in the Gilas Pilipinas squad for the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta.

     

    “We always believed in the talent of RJ. I think that was the time when I was coaching for the Asia Cup with Coach Nenad (Vucinic) and RJ was there. I really fought hard to make sure that he was part of the line-up,” Reyes said.

     

    The former KBL Rookie of the Year has developed into one of Ginebra’s most important players, forming a potent trio with Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson while emerging as a leading candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award.

     

    His recent performances have been among the biggest reasons behind the Kings’ return to the Finals.

     

    Facing Rain or Shine in the semifinals, Abarrientos delivered when Ginebra needed him most, scoring 30 points in Game 5 before erupting for 31 points in Game 6. His 61-point output across the last two games of the series helped power the Kings into another title showdown with TNT.

     

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    For Reyes, the scoring explosion came as no surprise.

     

    “The way he is playing now is no surprise. I really thought that we needed that kind of player in that team before. Like I said, the first time we played them was in his rookie season. Now, he has grown and matured tremendously, hitting back-to-back 30-point games, 60 points in the last two games, that’s no joke, that’s not an accident,” said Reyes.

     

    The veteran coach also joked about how much Abarrientos has matured since his early days with the national team.

     

    “Baby RJ pa lang siya noon, ngayon mamang RJ na siya,” Reyes said during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals press conference.

     

    When Ginebra and TNT met in the 2024 Governors’ Cup Finals, Abarrientos was still a rookie finding minutes behind veterans LA Tenorio and Thompson. Now, he has become a featured part of the Kings’ offense and a player capable of taking over games.

     

    That evolution makes him one of the key figures to watch in the Finals, where his production could play a major role in determining whether Ginebra captures another championship or TNT adds another title to its collection.

     

    Despite the growing attention and accolades, Abarrientos remains focused on embracing the larger responsibilities that come with his expanded role as Ginebra chases another crown against the TNT Tropang 5G on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos prioritizes winning over stats after leading Barangay Ginebra to PBA Finals

    RJ Abarrientos prioritizes winning over stats after leading Barangay Ginebra to PBA Finals

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again reinforced its reputation as one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s most dominant franchises after securing a 118-107 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 6 of their 2026 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series on Sunday, May 30, at a packed Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    The win allowed the Gin Kings to close out the best-of-seven series, 4-2, and punch their ticket to the conference finals, continuing a deep playoff run powered by a blend of veteran leadership and the emergence of a new generation of contributors.

     

    As has often been the case in high-pressure situations, Justin Brownlee once again set the tone for Ginebra. The veteran import delivered a commanding performance on both ends of the floor, while young guard RJ Abarrientos provided sustained scoring punch and composure beyond his years as the duo led the charge in sealing the series-clinching win.

     

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    Brownlee’s continued excellence further cements his legacy as one of the most impactful imports in PBA history, consistently delivering in crucial moments for the franchise. Alongside him, Abarrientos continued his rapid rise as one of the league’s brightest young guards, showcasing his growing confidence and offensive versatility in the postseason spotlight.

     

    The former Rookie of the Year has been particularly impressive throughout the semifinal series, stringing together back-to-back 30-point outings and proving to be a difficult matchup for Rain or Shine’s defensive schemes.

     

    Despite his standout numbers, Abarrientos emphasized that his focus remains on team success rather than individual accolades.

     

    “I don’t care about my score and stats. Ang focus ko dito is maging second coach sa loob ng court. Kailangan kong makapag-create sa teammates ko. It’s just doing my thing, mga maliliit na bagay,” Abarrientos said in a media interaction.

    His consistency has given Ginebra another reliable scoring option alongside Brownlee, allowing the team to maintain offensive balance and flexibility throughout the series. With defenses increasingly focusing on limiting the veteran import, Abarrientos has capitalized on his opportunities, attacking mismatches and creating plays in key stretches.

     

    Now one of Ginebra’s most reliable postseason performers in this series, the 26-year-old guard is determined to sustain his form as the team shifts its focus to the championship stage.

     

    “Kung ano yung ibigay sa akin, kailangan ko lang mag-execute at aralin kung ano yung pwede kong i-counter. They know na lalaro ako ng 20 to 30 minutes, and different guys will defend me and bump me, so I wish I could do that in the Finals also,” he added.

     

    Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, known for his trust in disciplined systems and player development, was full of praise for Abarrientos and the team’s young core, particularly their ability to withstand playoff pressure and execute in high-stakes moments.

     

    “They were targeting him and putting multiple players on him to get him out of his game, but his strength and character didn’t allow that. His determination tonight was just amazing. He had it in his face and body language that he was going to have a big game tonight. He put together back-to-back huge games, and that’s difficult in the playoffs,” Cone stated.

     

    The veteran coach also highlighted the collective effort of the roster, noting how several young and less experienced players have stepped up at critical junctures of the conference, helping Ginebra sustain its championship push despite the intensity of the semifinal battle.

     

    With the victory, Barangay Ginebra now advances to the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal series between TNT Tropang Giga and the Meralco Bolts. The league has yet to finalize the schedule and venue for the championship series, but anticipation is already building for another potential classic featuring one of the PBA’s most storied franchises.

     

    As Ginebra moves one step closer to another title opportunity, the combination of Brownlee’s proven brilliance and Abarrientos’ rising star power continues to make them one of the most formidable forces in the league heading into the finals.

     

     

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  • “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved within striking distance of a return to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after grinding out a tense 103-98 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinal showdown on Sunday, May 24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Backed by another poised performance from longtime resident import Justin Brownlee and a fearless effort from rookie guard RJ Abarrientos, the Gin Kings seized a pivotal 2-1 series lead and gained momentum heading into a crucial Game 4 encounter.

     

    As he has done countless times in high-pressure situations, Brownlee delivered when Ginebra needed him most. The veteran reinforcement finished with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds while expertly controlling the tempo and orchestrating the offense in the closing minutes. Brownlee’s steady presence once again proved invaluable as the Gin Kings weathered repeated comeback attempts from a gritty Rain or Shine squad.

     

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    Abarrientos, meanwhile, continued to cement his growing reputation as one of the league’s toughest young guards. The rookie floor general chipped in 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds despite playing through a painful broken nose suffered during Game 2 after taking an elbow from Rain or Shine forward Jhonard Clarito.

     

    Initially entering the game wearing a protective mask, Abarrientos quickly abandoned it after struggling to adjust while on the floor. Rather than allow the discomfort to affect his rhythm, the young guard elected to continue the game without it, drawing admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans alike for his toughness and determination.

     

    “Parang hindi ako makahinga kapag may mask, hindi ko makuha yung rhythm ko. Mag-mamask talaga dapat. Pero wala eh, pag hindi kumportable, aalisin ko talaga. Yun din sabi sa akin, pag hindi kumportable, alisin ko na lang. Ganun talaga kaya nilaro ko na lang,” Abarrientos said after the game.

     

    Despite visibly dealing with pain throughout the contest, Abarrientos never backed down from the physicality of the semifinal battle. He attacked the defense aggressively, made timely baskets, and handled significant minutes as Ginebra leaned heavily on its backcourt execution late in the game.

    His willingness to play through injury earned glowing praise from veteran head coach Tim Cone, who highlighted the rookie’s courage and competitive spirit during the postgame press conference.

     

    “We were hoping that he would wear a mask. But he was complaining about it even yesterday when we brought it over. He was complaining about it before the game. I wasn’t surprised that he took it and threw it at my feet,” Cone said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Cone went on to commend Abarrientos for refusing to sit out despite the severity of the injury and the physical demands of a tightly contested playoff game.

     

    “He is a tough kid. Really, really tough kid. His nose was like this big but he wanted to play tonight. He wanted to win tonight. He could be one of those guys that said, ‘I’m hurt, I can’t play.’ He came out and played 41 minutes and 43 seconds with pretty much a busted nose,” he added.

     

    The victory underscored Ginebra’s growing confidence as the series progresses. After splitting the first two games, the Gin Kings appeared more composed and efficient down the stretch in Game 3, executing key plays on both ends to fend off the Elasto Painters’ relentless challenge. Their experience in pressure-packed postseason situations ultimately made the difference in the final minutes.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the loss places the team in a difficult position as it now faces the urgency of trying to even the series before Ginebra can move to the brink of another Finals appearance. The Elasto Painters showed resilience throughout the contest but struggled to contain Ginebra’s late-game execution and Brownlee’s playmaking brilliance.

     

    With momentum clearly shifting toward the league’s most popular franchise, Barangay Ginebra will attempt to tighten its grip on the semifinal series when the two teams collide again in Game 4 on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Another victory would place the Gin Kings just one win away from the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, while Rain or Shine faces mounting pressure to respond and prevent the series from slipping further out of reach.

     

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos keeps feet on the ground as Ginebra heads into playoffs 

    RJ Abarrientos keeps feet on the ground as Ginebra heads into playoffs 

    RJ Abarrientos may have produced the highlight plays that lifted Barangay Ginebra San Miguel past TNT, but the young guard is making sure the attention does not change the way he approaches the game.

     

    After knocking down the biggest baskets in Ginebra’s 93-86 win over TNT Tropang 5G on Sunday, Abarrientos chose to talk less about his late-game heroics and more about the habits he believes will matter deeper into the playoffs.

     

    “Yung RJ pa rin na ginagawa lang yung part niya, yung basic lang para sa team na makatulong,” Abarrientos said.

     

    The rookie guard once again showed why he has quickly become one of the league’s most fearless shot-makers.

     

    With TNT threatening to complete a comeback late in the fourth quarter, Abarrientos calmly scored five of Ginebra’s last seven points, including a difficult floater over the much taller Bol Bol before draining the dagger triple that finally put the game away.

     

    But for Abarrientos, the bigger takeaway from the victory was how the entire team responded in key moments.

     

    “Magawa namin yun individually and as a team, na magkaroon ng collective effort para magtuloy-tuloy in the long run hanggang sa pinaka-finish,” he added.

     

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    The win secured the No. 2 seed for Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals and gave the crowd favorites a twice-to-beat advantage against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.

    More importantly, it reinforced the momentum the Gin Kings have quietly built over the past few weeks after winning seven of their last eight games entering the postseason.

     

    While much of the spotlight has recently gone to Ginebra’s clutch performers, Abarrientos pointed to consistency and chemistry as the real reasons behind the team’s strong finish.

     

    “So, we’re just playing, we just go back to basics, we stick to our habits lang, tuloy-tuloy lang, and then we stick together as a team,” he said.

     

    The latest win also highlighted Ginebra’s depth heading into the playoffs, with Justin Brownlee anchoring the team with 18 points and 15 rebounds while several role players delivered timely contributions throughout the game.

     

    Now, with the elimination round behind them, the Gin Kings turn their focus toward Phoenix and another playoff grind — one Abarrientos hopes to approach the same way he handled Sunday’s pressure-packed finish: simple, steady, and team-first.

     

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos delivers late-game spark as Ginebra locks up No. 2 seed 

    RJ Abarrientos delivers late-game spark as Ginebra locks up No. 2 seed 

    When the game tightened and the pressure peaked, RJ Abarrientos looked completely unfazed.

     

    With TNT threatening to steal momentum late Sunday night, the young guard delivered the biggest shot of the game to lift Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a tense 93-86 victory over TNT Tropang 5G at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Abarrientos drilled a booming three-pointer off an inbound play with 48 seconds remaining, stretching Ginebra’s lead to 91-83 and effectively sealing the win that secured the No. 2 seed entering the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.

     

    The victory completed a strong elimination-round finish for the Barangay, who won seven of their last eight games to end up with a 9-2 record.

     

    “We didn’t talk at all about who we’ll play,” said Tim Cone. “We just wanted to come out and play up to our standard, and make sure we put a good game together. Everybody on the floor did their job. I’m really pleased.”

     

    “As it turns out, we end up playing against Phoenix, and they have been good all conference long,” he added. “We know we have our work cut out for us. But right now we’re just focused on playing one game.”

     

    Justin Brownlee once again anchored Ginebra with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Abarrientos added 17 points to earn Player of the Game honors.

     

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    But beyond the numbers, it was Ginebra’s balance that stood out.

     

    Troy Rosario, Scottie Thompson, Isaac Go, and Ralph Cu all made timely contributions, while Japeth Aguilar marked his return from a lung injury with six points and three rebounds in limited minutes.

     

    “Ginagawa lang namin at pinaguusapan namin as a team is we just play our game, bumalik kami sa fundamentals namin,” said Abarrientos.

     

    TNT, meanwhile, continued to struggle entering the playoffs despite another monster effort from Bol Bol, who exploded for 33 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.

     

    The defending champions erased a 15-point deficit and even pulled within one point early in the fourth quarter behind Jayson Castro, but Ginebra repeatedly answered every push.

     

    After Bol trimmed the gap to three with just over three minutes left, Abarrientos took over completely — first with a difficult looping shot over the towering import, then with the dagger triple that silenced TNT’s comeback hopes.

     

    The loss sent TNT to its third straight defeat and dropped the Tropang 5G to the No. 8 seed, setting up a difficult quarterfinal matchup against top-seeded NLEX Road Warriors with a twice-to-win disadvantage.

     

    Ginebra, meanwhile, heads into the playoffs carrying momentum, confidence, and a young guard increasingly comfortable taking over the biggest moments.

     

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