Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ RJ Abarrientos during the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals Game 3 against San Miguel Beermen. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—RJ Abarrientos didn’t provide much spark early in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, but he delivered at the perfect time.

Abarrientos, who was quiet through three quarters, exploded in the fourth to give the Gin Kings a 2-1 lead over San Miguel Beermen in their best-of-seven series and bring them closer to a third straight Finals appearance.

READ: PBA: RJ Abarrientos lifts Ginebra past San Miguel for 2-1 lead

“My coaches motivating me really helped me. All of them told me that if I had shots, take them. They don’t stop me,” said Abarrientos after the 100-90 win on Sunday. “My confidence doesn’t come from just me, it came from my teammates and coaches.”

The rookie out of Far Eastern University finished with 24 points, 18 of which came in the fourth quarter as San Miguel tried to rally.

Abarrientos also stuffed the stat sheet with nine rebounds and eight assists in 33 minutes off the bench.

While his all-around play stood out, coach Tim Cone singled out Abarrientos’ shotmaking as the difference-maker.

“RJ just played tremendous down the stretch to keep them [Beermen] at bay,” said Cone. “I know we look at his passing and his ball handling, but what really makes him special is his ability to shoot the ball.”

Ginebra looks to build on its momentum and take a commanding 3-1 lead in Game 4 on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.