Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos (4) defends TNT guard Jayson Castro in Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals. – PBA PICTURES
MANILA, Philippines – Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos swam with the sharks in his first PBA Finals experience.
The fast-rising Abarrientos went head-to-head with TNT star Jayson Castro, who took the young guard to school.
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“Kuya Jayson showed who Jayson Castro is, who I still idolize,” Abarrientos said after the Gin Kings’ 104-88 loss in Game 1 on Sunday night at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
READ: PBA Finals: TNT tests Jayson Castro, Erram shines with Game 1 win
“You all saw him attack me. I just have to read and watch his game on our film screening and learn from it.”
Castro showed off his experienced mind and outplayed the much younger Abarrientos, who struggled mightily in his finals debut.
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The eight-time PBA champion proved to be too much for Abarrientos, finishing the game with 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Abarrientos, on the other hand, only scored five points on 2 of 7 shots from the field in 21 minutes of play.
READ: PBA Finals: RJ Abarrientos can’t wait to face ‘Idol’ Jayson Castro
“His pace, how he goes from slow to fast and how he does it with his age (is great). For me, marami pa ‘kong kakaining bigas (I still have a lot to learn).”
“I am aware that I still have many mistakes. I have to match or even surpass his performance, but I am grateful that I was able to compete against him, especially here in the final. We’ll bounce back in Game 2.”
Ginebra looks to even the series on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Araneta Coliseum.
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