source: philstar.com

Comebacking Johnny Abarrientos goes full-time as Ginebra’s point guard as the Kings tangle with the Coca-Cola Tigers in a duel of injury-hit teams in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo today.

Abarrientos, the 1996 MVP who’s part of the Ginebra coaching staff working as skills coach, has been reactivated as Jayjay Helterbrand is again sidelined by an injury.

The former FEU star will be Ginebra’s main man at the point guard spot with Celino Cruz also out, suffering a fractured left hand in a game against Talk n Text Wednesday.

“We didn’t expect this to happen. Who would think we’d run out of point guards. There are names cropping up as temporary subs but we haven’t made a decision yet. We’ll definitely go with what we have against Coke,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

Abarrientos suited up Wednesday, contributing three steals, three rebounds, two points and two assists in 18 minutes of play.

He played a game earlier in the season with Helterbrand also out, but his comeback was cut short by a deep cut on a finger he suffered in a game.

Ginebra, also playing minus Mark Caguioa, hopes to check a two-game losing skein in its 7:30 p.m. tiff with Coke to finish close behind Alaska Milk (8-1) and San Miguel Beer (7-2) in the first round of the double round elimination play.

Talk n Text has the same target as it tackles Burger King at 5 p.m.

“This is a big week for us, playing two tough teams in Ginebra and Burger King. We’re done with Ginebra and we now play a BK team, which has started winning games. It will be tough,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

Ginebra and Talk n Text are tied with Sta. Lucia with identical 5-3 win-loss cards while Burger King is at 3-5 and Coke in the bottom of the standings with a 1-7 slate.

The Tigers have been struggling minus main man Asi Taulava who’s out with an injured foot.

Games this Friday
(Ynares Sports Center, Antipolo City)
2:30 p.m. – San Miguel vs Smart-Gilas
5:00 p.m. – Talk ’N Text vs Burger King
7:30 p.m. – Coca-Cola vs Ginebra

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