Abarrientos' Explosive Fourth Quarter Fuels Ginebra's Comeback Victory Over SMB, Seizing Series Lead
MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel delivered a resounding response to their previous defeat, overpowering San Miguel Beer with a dominant 100-90 victory in Game 3 of their PBA Philippine Cup Finals series. The win allows Ginebra to reclaim the series lead and put them in a strong position to secure the championship title.
The turning point of the game was undoubtedly the performance of rookie guard RJ Abarrientos. After a relatively quiet first three quarters, Abarrientos exploded in the fourth, scoring a remarkable 18 of his total 24 points. His timely baskets and aggressive drives kept San Miguel at bay and ignited the Ginebra faithful. This late-game surge proved pivotal in securing the crucial victory.
“RJ really stepped up for us tonight,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone after the game. “We needed someone to carry the scoring load in the fourth, and he answered the call. His confidence and determination were infectious.”
Beyond Abarrientos’ stellar performance, Ginebra received significant contributions from their veteran players. Christian Standhardinger continued his consistent production with a double-double, showcasing his dominance in the paint. Japeth Aguilar provided crucial rebounding and defensive intensity, while Scottie Thompson orchestrated the offense with his usual flair.
San Miguel Beer struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. While June Mar Fajardo put up a valiant effort, finishing with a strong showing, the rest of the Beermen struggled to find their scoring touch. Their shooting was inconsistent, and they were unable to contain Ginebra’s relentless attack.
The victory provides Ginebra with valuable momentum heading into Game 4. The series now stands at 2-1 in favor of Ginebra, and they will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage to extend their lead. San Miguel Beer, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle as they attempt to even the series and force a Game 5.
Key Takeaways:
- RJ Abarrientos' explosive fourth quarter performance was the deciding factor in Ginebra's win.
- Ginebra's veteran players provided crucial support, showcasing their experience and leadership.
- San Miguel Beer struggled with inconsistent shooting and difficulty containing Ginebra's offense.
The PBA Philippine Cup Finals series promises to be a thrilling contest, and with Ginebra holding the series lead, the pressure is on San Miguel Beer to respond in Game 4.