PBA: Fueled by loss, Ginebra seals Finals return
Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against NorthPort.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra blew a golden opportunity to sweep NorthPort and advance to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals last Wednesday.
The Gin Kings, however, made sure to seize the moment Friday night in Game 5 with a 126-99 decimation of the top-seeded Batang Pier.
“Actually, when we huddled before the game, LA (Tenorio) told us that our loss on Wednesday should serve as a boost for us in this game,” Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos said.
READ: PBA: Ginebra rolls past NorthPort and into Finals rematch vs TNT
Ginebra coach Tim Cone and RJ Abarrientos after defeating Northport in the Comms. Cup semis and moving on to the #PBAFinals. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Xk8UK7yxIy
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) March 7, 2025
“We needed that loss heading into the Finals with Talk N’ Text. Everybody just stepped up because we didn’t settle for that loss. We just needed to go back to the basics.”
Abarrientos dropped a double-double of 20 points and 10 assists on top of four rebounds and two steals. He also shot 7-of-12 from the field, highlighted by a 3-of-5 clip from downtown.
The Far Eastern University product bounced back from a subpar game in Ginebra’s 108-103 loss to Northport in Game 4 where he had 18 points but missed six of his seven tries from long range.
READ: PBA: TNT books Finals berth, closes out Rain or Shine
Abarrientos was one of six Gin Kings in double-digit scoring. Justin Brownlee also recorded a double-double with team-highs 21 points and 11 rebounds while Malonzo matched Abarrientos’ offensive production.
Japeth Aguilar added 18 points, five rebounds and two blocks while Scottie Thompson had his usual all-around effort, collecting 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Troy Rosario chipped in 11 points before twisting his right ankle early in the third quarter.
Game 1 of the PBA Finals is on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.
