Ginebra forces do-or-die in PBA Philippine Cup semifinals chase on Christmas night

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Barangay Ginebra delivered a Christmas spectacle, blasting Converge 105-85 on Thursday, December 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The win kept their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals hopes alive and forced a winner-take-all showdown on Sunday.

RJ Abarrientos stole the spotlight with a career-high 35 points off the bench. He drained six of eight triples and added four assists, three rebounds, and two steals.

Scottie Thompson complemented the backcourt with a triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Japeth Aguilar, Stephen Holt, and Troy Rosario all scored in double figures, giving Ginebra a balanced offensive attack.

RJ Abarrientos during the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals game. [PBA Images]

Juan Gomez de Liano, who scored 32 points in their previous meeting, was limited to nine on 3-of-10 shooting. Converge could not keep pace with Ginebra’s surge.

With this victory, Ginebra stays alive for a PBA Philippine Cup semifinals berth. A decisive do-or-die game is now set for Sunday.

Abarrientos ignites Christmas breakout

The first half was tightly contested, with Ginebra trailing 42-41 at halftime. Converge matched their intensity, but Ginebra shifted momentum in the third quarter.

Abarrientos led the surge, helping Ginebra build a six-point lead. His scoring was complemented by timely defensive plays from both starters and bench players.

Perimeter shooting and interior drives allowed Ginebra to control the tempo. The team maintained consistent pressure through the final period. Abarrientos’ drives forced defensive rotations that opened opportunities for teammates.

The Gin Kings capitalized on these chances and extended the lead. Converge struggled to respond as Ginebra executed a balanced attack.

Complete team effort secures do-or-die

Scottie Thompson’s triple-double performance orchestrated the offense. Japeth Aguilar, Stephen Holt, and Troy Rosario contributed in double digits.

Converge’s top scorers could not overcome Ginebra’s defense. The Gin Kings forced a do-or-die scenario for the semifinals.

With the win, Ginebra stays alive in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. Every player showed depth and resilience as the season reaches a critical stage.