LA Tenorio exemplified what Ginebra's mantra — never say die — truly means as he drilled in the game-winning triple that forced the do-or-die Game 7 in the PBA Philippine Cup semis.
When the jumbotron inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum momentarily showed LA Tenorio Sunday night, July 6, Ginebra fans erupted in cheers.
It was a well-deserved warm reception for El Teniente.
Just a moment ago, Tenorio drilled in the game-winning triple as the Gin Kings stole an 88-87 win over San Miguel in Game 6 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals.
“It’s like what coach Tim said: Miracles do happen,” said Tenorio after the match.
[RELATED STORY: Tenorio, Ginebra channel 'Never Say Die' spirit vs San Miguel to force Game 7 in PBA semis]
Before making that epic shot in front of Jericho Cruz, the 40-year-old playing assistant coach said he felt rookie jitters as he entered the court in the fourth period.
That stemmed from his desire to make a difference for Ginebra, and that's exactly what he did.
When Tenorio checked in early in the final frame, he started to make things happen: He grabbed rebounds, hit baskets, orchestrated plays and ensured Ginebra's fluid offense.
“Honestly, I felt like a rookie again, shaking, going to the scorer’s table. Because as a rookie, you want to make something happen, help the team and have an impact,” said the pint-sized playmaker, who poured all of his 11 points in the fourth period.
LA Tenorio knocks down the game-winning triple for Ginebra in Game 6 of the PBA semifinals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
He also hauled down both of his rebounds and dished one of his two assists in the frame. He saw action for nearly 10 minutes, majority of which in the final quarter.
Needing a lifeline as the Beermen built a 78-71 lead behind an 8-to-nothing run, coach Tim Cone saw the gem in his bench and decided to field in the barely used veteran Tenorio.
He would score eight points, highlighted by a pair of treys, to knot the count at 83-all before Troy Rosario’s tip gave them the upperhand, 85-83, with 3:20 left to play.
But the Beermen were not to be outdone as they regained the lead as Cjay Perez slipped past RJ Abarrientos for a finger roll and Fajardo split his freebies twice, the last with just 11.1 ticks remaining.
And then, just like how miracles happened to Tenorio in his personal life, a miracle happened on the court.
“[Miracles do happen] not only in this game, but in my personal life. I truly believe in that. That’s why everytime I step on the court, I try to make something happen as a leader of the team,” added the cager who survived stage 3 colon cancer.
Tenorio rightfully earned Player of the Game honors.
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Scottie Thompson, troubled by a hamstring injury, still led Ginebra with an all-around effort of 17 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists.
Japeth Aguilar fought through cramps to come up with 16 points, while Abarrientos added 12 points, three rebounds, seven assists and a block.
San Miguel leaned on Fajardo's 21 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and a block.
Perez added 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal.
Ginebra vs. San Miguel scores:
GINEBRA 88 – Thompson 17, J.Aguilar 16, Holt 12, Abarrientos 12, Rosario 12, Tenorio 11, Ahanmisi 2, David 2, R.Aguilar 2, Malonzo 2, Cu 0.
SAN MIGUEL 87 – Fajardo 21, Perez 15, Trollano 13, Brondial 12, Cruz 6, Tautuaa 6, Teng 5, Tiongson 4, Lassiter 3, Rosales 2.
Quarterscores: 20-27, 45-54, 67-70, 88-87