GINEBRA and Rain or Shine go back to the court on Sunday in search of a 2-1 series lead in the semifinals. The Gin Kings evened things up with a 109-101 win last Friday following a hot-shooting night in the first half. Barangay Ginebra weathered a late storm from Rain or Shine to pull out a 109-101 victory in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at Mall of Asia Arena on Friday. After absorbing a heartbreaking 115-111 loss in Game 1, the Gin Kings bounced back to even the best-of-seven series at 1-1.
BARANGAY GINEBRA VS. RAIN OR SHINE
When: Sunday, May 24. 7:30 p.m.
Where: SM Mall of Asia Arena
JB, RJ taking lead role
Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos lit up in Game 2 where they helped Ginebra shot 10-of-20 from threes in the first half. Brownlee shot 5-of-8 from threes and finished with 31 points. Abarrientos was not far behind with 25 points on 3-of-6 from threes. More importantly, Abarrientos was able to facilitate with six assists.
Clarito continues to spark ROS
Jhonard Clarito remained consistent in the semifinals when he finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals. In Game 1, Clarito had 25 points and six rebounds, while playing the hero’s role in Rain or Shine’s come-from-behind 115-111 win. Clarito also fueled Rain or Shine’s comeback bid in Game 2 with 11 points in the fourth.
Players to watch
Mike Malonzo has emerged to become part of Rain or Shine’s rotation in this series. With more minutes, Malonzo has averaged 10 points and four rebounds, and head coach Yeng Guiao definitely hopes that the trend continues.
Sunday could be a breakout night for Stephen Holt if he gets out of his offensive slump in Game 3. He is only averaging 5.0 points and shooting just 33 percent from the field in the series.
JJ misfires from threes
Jaylen Johnson was mostly firing blanks from the outside in Game 2. Though he finished with 19 points, he shot just 2-of-11 from threes, and missed two four-pointers in the loss. As a team, Rain or Shine didn’t fare well from threes, making 10 of its 41 attempts or 24.4 percent from the closer arc. Johnson will look to bounce back on Sunday.
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