Gin Kings down Boosters sans superstars

Barangay Ginebra playing minus two of their superstars, no problem for the Gin Kings as the league’s crowd darling got the needed boost from a veteran playmaker plucked out of semi retirement in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Johnny Abarrientos – known as The Flying A – activated 24 hours before game time and suited up for the Gin Kings to help Cyrus Baguio and Ronald Tubid complete a 94-86 win over the hard-fighting Barako Bull in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Friday at the Astrodome.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico was thankful to have Abarrientos on his squad to provide temporary stability at his backcourt. “We’re thankful Johnny was there. He was a big factor for us."

“He’s been practicing but it’s different during game time. His veteran presence was a big help for us," Uichico added.

Abarrientos spearheaded the Kings’ campaign in the first half while Ginebra’s high-flying wingmen finished the job when the former Alaska playmaker had to leave the game early in the third after suffering a cut on his finger while going for a steal.

Abarrientos only played for 11 minutes but showed the same flashes of brilliance that made him the smallest man to win the MVP award. He had six assists, four rebounds and a steal.

It was the third win in four games for the Gin Kings, who played without Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa.

But Baguio and Tubid stepped up in the absence of their two high-scoring superstars.

Baguio had back-to-back treys in the third period that gave the Gin Kings a 59-44 lead.

Barako Bull fought its way back and was on the thick of the fight, but Tubid scored on a daredevil drive to shove the Gin Kings to a 92-84 advantage, 1:39 left in the game, and was never seriously threatened from there.

Baguio finished with 22 points while Ronald Tubid added 17.

• GMA
• Philippine Sports Central

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