RJ Abarrientos rediscovered his scoring touch while Justin Brownlee once again delivered a steady all-around performance as Barangay Ginebra moved within one win of reaching the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. The duo provided the offensive lift that allowed the Gin Kings to regain control of the series at a crucial stage.

The Gin Kings defeated Rain or Shine, 111-104, in Game 5 of their semifinal series Friday, May 29, before nearly 12,000 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, giving them a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven showdown. The win shifted momentum back to Ginebra after dropping Game 4.

Abarrientos and Brownlee combined for 63 points to power Ginebra’s bounce-back effort, with the team now heading into Game 6 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo where a Finals berth is within reach. The performance marked one of their most important collaborations of the series.

Despite the victory, Ginebra coach Tim Cone stressed that nothing has been secured yet, reminding his players that the job is far from finished. He emphasized the importance of discipline and focus heading into the next game.

“We’re not gonna be happy with this win. This game is done and over with, and we have to move on and be locked in for Sunday’s game,” Cone said. The veteran coach added that previous experiences taught him how quickly momentum can shift in a series.

“It’s easy to think that you’re there, but you’re not. You still need to work for it,” he added, underscoring the need for urgency as the series tightens.

Abarrientos catches fire

After being limited to just eight points in Game 4, Abarrientos responded with one of his strongest performances of the conference, erupting for 31 points and earning Best Player of the Game honors. His scoring aggression set the tone for Ginebra’s offensive rhythm throughout the contest.

Abarrientos consistently attacked mismatches and converted difficult shots that kept the Gin Kings ahead during key stretches. He also delivered a crucial four-point play late in the third quarter that shifted momentum firmly in Ginebra’s favor.

“We have to be aggressive, on offense and defense. Sana patuloy maiayos ang ginagawa namin, sana magtuloy-tuloy,” Abarrientos said. His confidence reflected the team’s improved execution on both ends of the floor.

He added that Ginebra’s adjustments played a major role in their improved flow and control of the game. “Siguro nagwork out ang gusto namin gawin sa offense and defense, yung adjustments namin nagbigay sa amin ng magandang flow sa game,” he explained.

Brownlee finished with 32 points while Troy Rosario added 16, giving Ginebra additional support that helped sustain their lead through most of the game. The bench also contributed key minutes that kept Rain or Shine from fully closing the gap.

Strong ROS comeback denied

The Gin Kings built a lead of as many as 18 points before Rain or Shine mounted a strong third-quarter rally behind Adrian Nocum. The Elasto Painters slowly chipped away at the deficit through aggressive offense and improved ball movement.

Rain or Shine managed to cut the lead down to just three points, creating pressure on Ginebra as momentum briefly shifted. The surge tested the Gin Kings’ composure as the game entered its most critical stretch.

Ginebra responded with timely baskets and defensive stops that restored control before the end of the period. This prevented Rain or Shine from completing its comeback attempt and allowed the Gin Kings to reestablish their rhythm heading into the final quarter.

Abarrientos’ four-point play also proved to be a turning point that halted the momentum swing and reinforced Ginebra’s control. The sequence gave the team breathing room at a decisive stage.

Nocum led Rain or Shine with 25 points while Johnson added 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Jhonard Clarito contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds in a strong losing effort. Their production kept the Elasto Painters competitive throughout the contest.

Despite the loss, Rain or Shine still has a chance to extend the series and force a deciding Game 7 if it wins the next matchup. The pressure now shifts fully to their do-or-die situation.

For now, Ginebra holds the advantage as the series moves closer to its conclusion, with the Gin Kings one win away from another Finals appearance.