Thanks to LA Tenorio's cold-blooded triple at endgame, Ginebra dragged San Miguel to a winner-take-all Game 7 in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semis.
Scottie Thompson could only come up with three words to describe LA Tenorio after the veteran guard's heroic performance that enabled Ginebra to walk away with an 88-87 win over San Miguel in Game 6 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals Sunday, July 6.
“Classic. Legend. Idol. Wala akong masabi,” said Thompson post-match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Tenorio stepped up for the Gin Kings when nothing was going their way in the fourth period.
[RELATED STORY: LA Tenorio after saving Ginebra in Game 6 of PBA semis: ‘I felt like a rookie again’]
The 40-year-old playmaker poured 11 points in the frame, including the go-ahead triple in front of Jericho Cruz with 3.1 ticks left to play.
The Beermen had a chance to finish off Ginebra in the ensuing play, but Cjay Perez’s heave from the four-point line rimmed out.
Ginebra frustrates San Miguel in Game 2 behind LA Tenorio's game-winning three-pointer. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Thompson expressed his gratitude to the pint-sized Tenorio after bailing the Gin Kings out of trouble.
“Thank you kay Kuya LA. Binigyan niya kami ng another chance para makarating sa Finals,” Thompson said.
But he was also quick to praise the rest of the team for displaying their "Never Say Die" spirit in the face of adversity.
“Credit to the whole team. Talagang walang sumuko. Lumaban hanggang dulo. Kasi whatever it takes, manalo o matalo man ngayon, at the end of the day, basta't ibinigay namin 'yong best namin. 'Yon ang importante,” Thompson said.
Game 7 is set Wednesday, July 9, at the same venue.