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Ginebra's RJ Abarrientos in action. PBA Images
MANILA — Barangay Ginebra leaned on a clutch layup from RJ Abarrientos to escape Magnolia in another nail-biting “Manila Clasico,” 91–89, in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Abarrientos committed a foul on a Mark Barroca three-point attempt with 8.2 seconds left on the fourth quarter clock—a call the Gin Kings challenged but failed to overturn. He quickly redeemed himself, however, draining the go-ahead layup on a fearless drive to the basket with 6.3 seconds remaining, after Barroca's 3-of-3 completion from the foul line.
On the ensuing play, Jerom Lastimosa attempted to penetrate the paint, but Ginebra’s defense held firm, with Norbert Torres anticipating the play. He intercepted the passing lane to secure possession for the Gin Kings.
Torres missed from the free-throw line following Barroca’s intentional foul on him with exactly one second left, but it hardly mattered. The clock expired with the ball still on Clint Chapman's hands, sealing Ginebra’s third win in five games.
Justin Brownlee led the way with 29 points on a 9-of-24 shooting clip, along with nine rebounds and four assists. Scottie Thompson delivered a stellar double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Abarrientos added 19 markers and a steal.
On the other hand, Magnolia slipped back into the losing column after consecutive victories over Macau and Terrafirma.
Zav Lucero paced the Hotshots with 19 points and seven rebounds, while import Chapman tallied 18 points and 10 boards but committed eight turnovers in the loss.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 91 – Brownlee 29, Thompson 24, Abarrientos 19, Holt 6, Torres 5, Pinto 4, Rosario 4, Cu 0, Gray 0, Go 0
MAGNOLIA 89 – Lucero 19, Chapman 18, Barroca 14, Lastimosa 11, Lee 10, Dela Rosa 9, Sangalang 5, Koon 3, Laput 0, Alfaro 0, Gomez de Liano 0, Andrada 0
QUARTERS: 18-18, 50-35, 69-66, 91-89