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Abarrientos Ignites Ginebra As Kings Stun San Miguel In Semis Opener
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Barangay Ginebra didn’t just rely on its stars — the bench came in blazing, and RJ Abarrientos led the charge.
Abarrientos powered the Gin Kings with 23 points, steering Ginebra to a 99–90 win over San Miguel Beer and drawing first blood in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
He wasn’t alone. Ralph Cu, Jayson David, and Norbert Torres combined for 31 big points, helping snap San Miguel’s impressive 10-game winning streak.
Coach Tim Cone said the plan was simple: match — and beat — San Miguel’s vaunted second unit.
“We know they’re No. 1 in bench points, so we challenged our guys to come out and play,” Cone said, praising his reserves for the energy they brought.
And they delivered.
Ginebra’s bench outscored SMB’s second unit, 54–29, giving the Kings the boost they needed — even with June Mar Fajardo putting up a massive performance.
Fajardo was a force, finishing with huge numbers, but Ginebra refused to fold.
“We had to battle for this one,” Cone added. “We’re happy we pulled it out even with June Mar having a big game.”
Scottie Thompson added 23, while Troy Rosario and Japeth Aguilar chipped in key baskets as Ginebra survived a wild game — blowing a 12-point lead, falling behind by eight, then storming back when it mattered most.
And when crunch time came, Abarrientos took over.
With Ginebra hanging onto an 86–85 lead, he scored five straight to spark an 11–1 finishing run that sealed the victory — plus he stuffed the stat sheet with seven assists, nine rebounds, and two steals.
“I’m just playing my game,” Abarrientos said. “Syempre, dahil sa tiwala ng teammates ko — they trust me with the ball.”
The Beermen finally tasted defeat after more than two months — and suddenly, this semifinal series just got a lot more interesting.
Abarrientos powered the Gin Kings with 23 points, steering Ginebra to a 99–90 win over San Miguel Beer and drawing first blood in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
He wasn’t alone. Ralph Cu, Jayson David, and Norbert Torres combined for 31 big points, helping snap San Miguel’s impressive 10-game winning streak.
Coach Tim Cone said the plan was simple: match — and beat — San Miguel’s vaunted second unit.
“We know they’re No. 1 in bench points, so we challenged our guys to come out and play,” Cone said, praising his reserves for the energy they brought.
And they delivered.
Ginebra’s bench outscored SMB’s second unit, 54–29, giving the Kings the boost they needed — even with June Mar Fajardo putting up a massive performance.
Fajardo was a force, finishing with huge numbers, but Ginebra refused to fold.
“We had to battle for this one,” Cone added. “We’re happy we pulled it out even with June Mar having a big game.”
Scottie Thompson added 23, while Troy Rosario and Japeth Aguilar chipped in key baskets as Ginebra survived a wild game — blowing a 12-point lead, falling behind by eight, then storming back when it mattered most.
And when crunch time came, Abarrientos took over.
With Ginebra hanging onto an 86–85 lead, he scored five straight to spark an 11–1 finishing run that sealed the victory — plus he stuffed the stat sheet with seven assists, nine rebounds, and two steals.
“I’m just playing my game,” Abarrientos said. “Syempre, dahil sa tiwala ng teammates ko — they trust me with the ball.”
The Beermen finally tasted defeat after more than two months — and suddenly, this semifinal series just got a lot more interesting.
Jan 5, 2026
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