RJ Abarrientos lit up for 18 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter as Barangay Ginebra downed San Miguel Beer, 100-90, on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The rookie guard was in the zone during that stretch, even beating the shot clock with a four-pointer as the Gin Kings managed to foil the Beermen’s comeback attempts and regain control of the series after losing Game 2.

It was Abarrientos’ best offensive game of the semifinals after averaging 4.5 points on 4-of-21 shooting in the previous two games against San Miguel.

He also had nine rebounds and eight assists in an all-around showing, manning the point to help Ginebra atone for its 100-83 defeat last Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Jamie Malonzo had 20 points and seven rebounds, one of the reasons Ginebra took control in the third where the Gin Kings even led by double digits.

The crowd favorites can go for a commanding 3-1 lead on Wednesday at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Don Trollano scored 22 points for the Beermen, who got to within five twice in the fourth but couldn’t stop the Abarrientos onslaught.

June Mar Fajardo, bothered by a calf injury, produced his best showing in the series with 12 points and 14 rebounds in 27 minutes after limited playing time in Games 1 and 2.