MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra rookie guard RJ Abarrientos delivered his best offensive performance in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals, scoring 28 points in Game 5 against the San Miguel Beermen. However, the rising star emphasized that the crucial 121-92 victory mattered more than his personal stats.
“I just stuck with the system,” said Abarrientos. “I wasn’t forcing my shots and went with the flow on both offense and defense. I’m just doing my part off the bench.”
Despite coming off the bench, Abarrientos embraced his role, contributing three rebounds and two assists alongside his scoring. Coach Tim Cone praised him, saying, “He keeps calling himself a ‘bench player,’ but he’s a starter off the bench. He’ll be a starter for years to come.”
With Ginebra now leading the series 3-2, Abarrientos and the Gin Kings are just one win away from securing a spot in the Governors’ Cup Finals. Game 6 is set for Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.