PBA: Ginebra takes Game 5 vs Rain or Shine, but Tim Cone wary

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ RJ Abarrientos during a game vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Game 5. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra scored a pivotal 114-104 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.

The Gin Kings moved a step closer to reaching the Finals with a 3-2 lead, but coach Tim Cone was anything but satisfied.

“We’re not going to be happy with this win. We’ve been in this situation before. We led 3-2 and then got beat. Once by San Miguel, once by TNT,” said Cone.

“It’s too easy to get euphoric with the 3-2 lead. We’re not. A lot of things went our way tonight, which is great, we’re fortunate, but we have to move on.”

Ginebra held on to a  10-point lead, 91-81, in the fourth quarter when RJ Abarrientos took charge to fend off the Elasto Painters for good.

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Justin Brownlee during a game vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Game 5. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The young guard scored seven points in the Gin Kings’ decisive 10-2 run that made it a safe 101-83 advantage with 4:03 remaining.

Abarrientos finished with 31 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals for Ginebra, which can close out the series on Sunday.

Justin Brownlee also came up big with 22 points, six rebounds and six assists while Troy Rosario scored 16.

Adrian Nocum topscored in a losing effort for Rain or Shine with 25 points. Jaylen Johnson registered a double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds while Jhonard Clarito had 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The semifinals return to the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo for Game 6.