RJ Abarrientos led a fiery second-half charge to lift Barangay Ginebra past San Miguel Beer, 100-90, seizing a crucial 2-1 lead in their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinal duel on Sunday, June 29. The electric rookie finished with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, putting the Gin Kings firmly back in control of the best-of-seven series.

Abarrientos caught fire in the second half, scoring 22 of his total output in the final 24 minutes. His flurry of buckets and assists powered a 10-0 third-quarter run that flipped a tight game into a 69-58 Ginebra lead. He then delivered 18 points in the fourth, keeping San Miguel at bay with clutch play after clutch play.

Balanced Support and Redemption

Jamie Malonzo chipped in 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Japeth Aguilar added 18 markers in a game that showcased Ginebra’s depth. Scottie Thompson turned in a 16-7-5 line and Stephen Holt contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds in a bounce-back performance from their 83-100 loss in Game 2.

Coach Tim Cone, whose team drew first blood in Game 1, praised the composure and adjustments made after falling short in the previous outing. “We didn’t play a good game last time. San Miguel just outworked us,” Cone admitted. “But I’m proud of how the guys steadied themselves. RJ just played tremendous down the stretch.”

On the Beermen side, Don Trollano led the scoring with 22 points, while June Mar Fajardo, nursing a calf injury, posted a 12-point, 14-rebound double-double in just over 27 minutes. San Miguel again found themselves chasing the game and will need a better start if they hope to even the series on Wednesday.