Jayson Castro exploited his advantages over RJ Abarrientos in Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals between TNT and Ginebra.
“Marami pang kakaining bigas.”
This was how Ginebra prized rookie RJ Abarrientos described his fist encounter with his idol, TNT veteran Jayson Castro.
Abarrientos was left in awe after the Tropang Giga star edged him out in their first match up in the PBA, more evidently in the third period of TNT's 104-88 Game 1 win over Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals on Sunday, Oct. 27.
Jayson Castro displays veteran leadership in TNT's series opener against RJ Abarrientos and the rest of Brgy. Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup Finals on Sunday, Oct. 27. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
"Ipinakita ni Kuya Jayson kung sino talaga 'yung Jayson Castro na iniidolo ko. Nakita ninyo naman kung paano ako atakehin kanina,” said the third overall pick in this year’s draft.
On most occasions in the third canto, Castro exploited his advantage over the young guard. The two-time best point guard in Asia dropped 12 of his 14 points in the said quarter.
Abarrientos, on the other hand, struggled offensively, finishing with only five points on a 2-for-7 shooting clip. He also had three rebounds and an assist.
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But there is gain in defeat for Abarrientos.
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The nephew of league great Johnny Abarrientos said he has learned a lot from the matchup and hopes to turn things around in Game 2 on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
"'Yung pacing (of Castro). 'Yung bagal-bilis niya. Saka kung paano niya nagagawa 'yun sa age niya,” said Abarrientos.
“Marami pang kulang. Nakikita ko naman 'yung Jayson Castro na kailangang higitan or kailangang tapatan ng isang RJ. Sobrang thankful akong nakalaban ko siya dito pa sa finals.”