PBA: Abarrientos, Barangay Ginebra frustrate Rain or Shine to move a win away from Commissioner's Cup finals

RJ Abarrientos caught fire as Barangay Ginebra defeated Rain or Shine, 111-104, in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The victory gave Barangay Ginebra a 3-2 series lead and moved the Gin Kings one win away from advancing to the finals.

Abarrientos knocked down four triples en route to 31 points, along with eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals.

Barangay Ginebra led 56-44 at halftime and kept control in the third quarter, with Abarrientos hitting a four-pointer to close the period and counter Josh David’s triple, giving the Gin Kings an 83-71 advantage.

With 2:34 remaining in the fourth quarter, Ginebra stretched its lead to 107-89, but Rain or Shine mounted a late 13-2 run to cut the deficit to 109-102. Troy Rosario then helped seal the win for Ginebra despite a late basket from Gian Mamuyac.

Import Justin Brownlee also starred for Ginebra with 32 points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals, and two blocks.

For Rain or Shine, Adrian Nocum finished with 25 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while import Jaylen Johnson added 22 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and one block.

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 111– Brownlee 32, Abarrientos 31, Rosario 16, Thompson 9, Holt 8, Cu 8, Gray 3, Pinto 2, J.Aguilar 2, Go 0, Abis 0.

Rain or Shine 104 – Nocum 25, Johnson 22, Clarito 20, Mamuyac 11, Tiongson 10, David 6, Malonzo 4, Caracut 1, Asistio 0, Manaytay 0.

Quarters: 31-26, 56-44, 83-71, 111-104.

—JKC, GMA News