Gilas stint boosts RJ Abarrientos in winning return for Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines — Coming off a Gilas Pilipinas stint in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, RJ Abarrientos showcased a “more confident” game for Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday.

Abarrientos led the Gin Kings in a 103-85 win over the Blackwater Bossing, which gave their quarterfinal bid a much-needed boost.

In the game, the guard had 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting, along with three rebounds, an assist and a steal off the bench.

He led five Ginebra players in double digits.

After the game, Abarrientos said that he had a huge confidence boost after his first Gilas duty under his club coach Tim Cone.

“Obviously, yung [confidence] ko mas iba. Of course, I'm very grateful na nakabalik din ako ng Gilas and of course with Coach Tim,” he told reporters.

“Happy rin ako na, alam mo yun, na nagagawa ko ulit yung part ko as a Gilas member. So hopefully magtuloy-tuloy and I'm ready to serve the country every time they call me,” he added.

“So I'm just grateful for the opportunity. And yeah, very thankful.”

Abarrientos was part of the 12-man Gilas roster that swept the first window of the Asian qualifiers against Guam.

In the window, he averaged 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds a contest.

But the floor general’s performance against Blackwater breathed life to the Gin Kings’ quarterfinal bid.

Backstopping Abarrientos were Stephen Holt and Jeremiah Gray, who had 12 apiece for the 4-4 Ginebra, while Jayson David had 11. Troy Rosario produced 10 markers.

Dalph Panopio powered the also-ran Blackwater with 22 points, eight rebounds, four steals and three assists. Sedrick Barefield and Abu Tratter had 17 and 12 points, respectively, for the 1-8 Bossing.

In the first game of the day, the Meralco Bolts zapped the Terrafirma Dyip, 120-87.

CJ Cansino carried the offensive load with 20 points and eight rebounds for the 4-4 Bolts, while Chris Banchero had 13 points.

Mark Nonoy paced the 1-8 Terrafirma with 22 points.