RJ Abarrientos scored what proved to be the game-winning layup to lift Barangay Ginebra to a 91-89 victory against fierce rival Magnolia in their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Manila Clasico game on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Gin Kings blew a big 15-point lead in the face of a Hotshots rally.
Veteran guard Mark Barroca got fouled from beyond the arc by Abarrientos with 8.2 seconds.
Barroca tied the game at 89-all after making all three of his free throws.
Abarrientos then made a quick reply as he atoned for his miscue by scoring on a layup off an inbounds pass to give Ginebra a 91-89 lead with six ticks left in the game.
The return play saw Jerom Lastimosa turn the ball over, forcing Barroca to foul Ginebra big man Norbert Torres with a second to go.
Torres missed both free throws and while Magnolia import Clint Chapman grabbed the rebound, time just wasn’t on their side as Ginebra booked its third win in five starts.
Magnolia fell to 2-4.
Justin Brownlee led Ginebra with 29 points and nine rebounds, Scottie Thompson had 24 and 10 boards, while Abarrientos chipped in 19.
Zavier Lucero led the Hotshots with 19 points, while Chapman finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds but committed eight turnovers.