Ginebra’s Abarrientos dismisses jab from opponent as ‘mind game’

MANILA, Philippines — Despite receiving a “gift” from Converge’s Archie Concepcion in their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals clash, Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos stressed that there is no extra motivation needed as the Gin Kings try to go past the FiberXers.

Abarrientos had a Christmas Day to remember on Thursday, finishing with a career-high 35 points against Converge.

With 31.2 seconds remaining in the game and the Gin Kings leading 101-85, Abarrientos was getting ready to receive the inbounds pass.

But Concepcion seemingly threw an elbow on Abarrientos’ midsection, leading the Ginebra guard to writhe in pain while the former was slapped with a flagrant foul.

Ginebra went on to win, 105-85, to stay alive and force a Game 2 in their quarters matchup.

After the game, Abarrientos said while it was "unnecessary," he sees it as just a mind game.

“Siguro, tinyempuhan niya talagang pagod na kasi lahat ng players. So talagang nag-try siya mag-hit. That's unnecessary for me,” he said.

“To be honest, talagang nag-jab siya sa stomach ko. Pero just a game, mind game. So okay lang na ginawa niya yun. Just move on. Wala naman para sa akin,” he added.

The guard added that this will not be an extra boost for him heading to the sudden-death quarterfinal match on Sunday.

“My motivation is to win. Wala akong paki sa nangyari. Doesn't need extra [motivation].”

Ginebra and Converge will battle it out for a chance to make it to the semifinals on Sunday, 5:15 p.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The winner will take on San Miguel in the semis.