Ginebra gave LA Tenorio the welcome he deserves by way of a 110-99 victory over Terrafirma to continue their winning ways in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, Sunday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The decorated guard played his first game back after months of battling and conquering cancer, and the Kings made sure that there’d be a double celebration by downing the upset-hungry Dyip for their third straight triumph.
Fielded as a starter, Tenorio tallied six points, a rebound, three assists, and a steal in 25 minutes.
Moreover, the reigning champions improved to 4-1 in his return, sharing the third spot in the standings with rivals Meralco.
“We know it’s an arduous journey to get back. Started in tears, now we have such joy for him getting back,” said head coach Tim Cone.
Tony Bishop led the welcoming committee for the vet with 26 points and 11 rebounds, together with four assists, two steals, and a block.
Christian Standhardinger delivered his own double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Japeth Aguilar added 19 and seven for a Barangay that missed the services of Scottie Thompson due to a knee contusion.
The frontcourt troika proved key in the closing minutes, delivering to make sure that Ginebra would remain in control after the Dyip got to within six points, 90-84, with under 6:45 left to play from a 15-point third-quarter deficit.
Ginebra will next face the second-seeded Phoenix Super LPG (5-1) on Saturday, December 9, 6:15 p.m. in San Jose, Batangas.
Javi Gomez de Liano, on the other hand, had 22 points, four rebounds, and seven assists to lead Terrafirma, who suffered its third straight loss.
Thomas de Thaey had 18 points and 14 rebounds. Kemark Carino made 14 points, while Juami Tiongson and Isaac Go added 13 and 10, respectively.
The Dyip (2-4) will try to get out of their harrowing skid versus Converge on December 13, Wednesday, 4:00 PM, still at Philsports.
The Scores:
Ginebra 110 – Bishop 26, Standhardinger 24, J.Aguilar 19, Malonzo 14, Ahanmisi 10, Tenorio 6, Pinto 6, Pessumal 3, Cu 2, Gumaru 0, R. Aguilar 0, Pringle 0.
Terrafirma 99 – Gomez de Liano 22, De Thaey 18, Carino 14, Tiongson 13, Go 10, Holt 7, Ramos 4, Mina 3, Camson 2, Cahilig 2, Calvo 2, ALolino 2, Miller 0.
Quarterscores: 25-29, 53-42, 83-68, 110-99
