Thompson, Abarrientos lead Ginebra’s dominant Game 5 win over San Miguel

Barangay Ginebra is now one win away from the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals after a commanding 121-92 rout of San Miguel in Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinal series on Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Kings rode a backcourt explosion from Scottie Thompson and rookie RJ Abarrientos to overwhelm the Beermen and seize a pivotal 3-2 series lead.

Abarrientos, who led all scorers with 28 points, provided a spark off the bench, while former league MVP Thompson contributed a well-rounded 22 points to go along with 3 rebounds. Their combined efforts ignited Ginebra’s offense and propelled the team to within one win of the finals. The Kings can close out the series in Game 6 on Sunday.

After a close start, Ginebra took control in the second quarter with a 29-17 blitz, giving them a 63-50 cushion by halftime. San Miguel tried to claw back with an 11-3 run early in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to just five points, 66-61. But Ginebra’s defense tightened, and the Beermen were unable to sustain their momentum.

The Kings stretched their lead to 121-90 late in the game, sealing the dominant.

Justin Brownlee had a quiet night by his standards but still managed 18 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Japeth Aguilar and Maverick Ahanmisi also provided crucial contributions, scoring 15 and 13 points, respectively, for the Gin Kings.

San Miguel, on the other hand, struggled to keep pace with Ginebra.

Import EJ Anosike led the Beermen with 21 points, while Marcio Lassiter, who scored eight of his 16 points in the first quarter, helped fuel San Miguel’s early burst. Reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo posted a double-double of 17 points and 18 rebounds, but his efforts, along with CJ Perez’s 16-point output, were not enough to stop the Kings’ onslaught.

WATCH: San Miguel vs. Ginebra (October 18) Game 5 Highlights

With Ginebra just one win away from securing a finals berth, the pressure is on for San Miguel to respond in Game 6. The Beermen will need to bring their A-game to force a Game 7, while the Gin Kings will look to carry the momentum from their Game 5 rout into what could be the series-clinching game.

Tip-off for Game 6 is set for Sunday, and all eyes will be on whether Ginebra can punch its ticket to the finals or if San Miguel will find a way to extend the series.