PBA: RJ Abarrientos makes 'Clasico' heroic moment as Ginebra escapes Magnolia

Justin Brownlee showed he can still deliver in Manila Clasico two weeks before turning 38. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

BINAN--RJ Abarrientos added his name to the list of the most memorable clutch moments in the PBA's "Manila Clasico" as he gave Ginebra a 91-89 win against Magnolia in their post-league anniversary showdown on Friday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Abarrientos found an opening inside the shaded lane, prompting Scottie Thompson to pass him the ball of a sideline inbound for the go-ahead layup with 6.3 seconds left.

Abarrientos' eventual game-winner made up for his huge blunder right before the play, in which he fouled Mark Barroca while taking a three with 8.2 seconds to play.

Barroca made all three of his free throws to force an 89-all deadlock, which was eventually broken by Abarrientos' response.

Jerom Lastimosa had a chance to force overtime, but Thompson's help defense forced him to kick the ball outside, only for Norbert Torres to steal the pass with exactly a second remaining.

Although Torres missed both his free throws off a Barroca foul, the Hotshots failed to launch a desperation heave from way out in time.

Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings, which moved to a tie with the Phoenix Fuel Masters and Terrafirma Dyip for fourth place at 3-2, with 29 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

Thompson added 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting, 10 rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

Zav Lucero put up 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks for Magnolia, which dropped to 10th place at 2-4.

Clint Chapman added 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one steal, but in his first PBA loss, he committed eight turnovers.