PBA: RJ Abarrientos moves on from crucial off night vs SMB: 'May mga ganoong araw talaga'

RJ Abarrientos was nearly taken out of the picture in Game 4 with no long-range conversion and no assist. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Just when Ginebra needed his offense the most, RJ Abarrientos could not get his game going in Game 4 of the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals between Ginebra and San Miguel.

Abarrientos missed all his eight outside shots and finished 2-for-13 from the field for seven points, and worse, the star point guard failed to dish an assist in 28 and a half minutes of action.

When asked about it, Abarrientos conceded that it was indeed an off night for him.

"Ganun talaga. May mga ganoong araw talaga, so we just need to move on," he said.

He also pointed out how the Beermen outscored the Gin Kings 46-18 in the third quarter that essentially decided Game 4 in favor of the former.

Abarrientos also took note at how SMB's veterans did a splendid job at containing him all game long.

"Alam naman natin na physical team din ang SMB in terms of veteran presence nila. Pag lahat gusto, willing talaga, may chance at magagawa nila yung gusto nila," he further said.

Chris Ross, at times, made it known to Abarrientos that the Beermen were about to force a Game 5 after going 0-2 down in the best-of-five series through some trash talking.

However, when asked about it, Abarrientos downplayed the mini verbal tussle with Ross, saying, "Part of the game. Kasama yun sa laro. Basketball player, syempre walang bigayan. Gusto lahat manalo. So part of the game. Okay lang yun."

Instead of taking a rest already after sweeping the series, Ginebra is now facing a Game 5 on Tuesday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo with its season on the line too.

Despite that, Abarrientos said the team is ready for the challenge.

"Ito yung binigay sa amin: do-or-die, so tatanggapin namin," Abarrientos concluded.