MANILA, Philippines — RJ Abarrientos came out firing in the second half, sparking Barangay Ginebra to a 105-85 victory against no. 4 seed Converge to forge a sudden death in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinal duel on Christmas Day at the Araneta Coliseum.
After scoring just five points in the first half, Abarrientos dropped 11, followed by 19 in the last two periods to help Ginebra pull away from a tight contest.
Knowing that a loss could mean elimination, the former Far Eastern University standout and Gilas pool member scattered six triples in mocking the defense thrown at him by the FiberXers.
Abarrientos went on to finish with a career-high 35 points as Ginebra lives to fight another day.
The Gin Kings will try to complete their quarterfinal mission and try to book a semis seat when they meet the FiberXers anew on Sunday also at the Big Dome.
Japeth Aguilar provided 16 points and six rebounds, while using his experience to help contain Converge big man Justin Arana, who could only score six points and grab four boards.
Scottie Thompson churned out a triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists while Stephen Holt and Troy Rosario chipped in 11 and 10.
Justine Baltazar led Converge with 19 points and 13 rebounds, Schonny Winston added 14, Alec Stockton and Michael Garcia added 12 and 11.
Rookie Juan Gomez De Liano, who torched Ginebra with 32 points in Converge’s 106-96 win last November, was held down to just nine points on 3-of-10 shooting.
Source: Hot-shooting RJ Abarrientos sparkles as Ginebra forces rubber match vs Converge
