After a masterclass in Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Game 5 semifinals victory against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, RJ Abarrientos was already looking at Game 6.
On Friday, the reigning PBA Rookie of the Year scored 31 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists as he looked like Ginebra’s undisputed No. 1 option, especially in the second half. But, when asked about it, the dynamic guard deflected and instead credited the Ginebra system and his teammates.
“Ay hindi, hindi ako. Hindi ako ‘yun. Nagkataon lang ‘yun,” Abarrientos told reporters when asked if he’s now the new go-to player for Ginebra.“Siguro sa team effort namin ‘yun kaya ako na-o-open. Pero wala, wala sa utak ko ‘yun. Next game, move on, wala ‘yun.”
Aside from the league’s leading scorer this conference, resident import Justin Brownlee and forward Troy Rosario also scored in double digits in Game 5. Brownlee had 32 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks, while Rosario had 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
Abarrientos, Ginebra Are Focusing on Game 6
Up 3-2 in the semifinals series, Abarrientos and the rest of the Ginebra squad are preparing for a possible clincher this Sunday at Ynares, Antipolo. And for the sophomore sensation, the team—including him—must move on from this Game 5 victory and not think that they can still play Game 7 even with a loss.
“Just finish next game, ‘yun lang. Kumbaga wala nang iisipin na next next game. Kung kailangan na mag-move on ngayong gabi, then next game,” Abarrientos said.
A Game 7 is definitely not something Tim Cone, Abarrientos, and company would want, especially against an explosive team like Rain or Shine. But to avoid it, Ginebra might need its super sophomore to play like the go-to-guy that he is.
