Talk about foiling yet another chance.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel went up against Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Philsports Arena, with the goal of securing a playoff spot stamped in their minds.
However, their plans went sideways. And as the game’s 48 minutes winded down, the Barangay saw themselves facing another defeat, 79-73, against a hot shooting Fuel Masters.
And one of those disappointed from Sunday night’s Ginebra loss is none other than veteran floor general LA Tenorio, whose 15-3-3 outing were not enough to help his team get the needed victory.
The five-foot-eight point guard has every right to be disappointed though. Not only did the loss send Ginebra’s record to 5-5, but it also threw away another opportunity to book themselves a slot in the playoffs.
“Big loss for us,” said Tenorio.
And with the defeat, the former Gilas mainstay admitted that Ginebra is now clouded with uncertainties as they are about to wrap up the eliminations.
“‘Di namin alam kung ano magiging situation namin. ‘Di namin alam kung ano mangyayari. We just have to wait and see what’s gonna happen after this week,” the 32-year-old worried.
The Barangay played through versus Phoenix without the services of top big man Japeth Aguilar, who is nursing a right elbow injury. But for Tenorio, playing without the 6’9″ center is not an excuse for tonight’s setback.
“Oo naman. Ramdam din naman. Pero it’s not an excuse. Without Japeth, automatic [talo]? ‘Di naman excuse yun. Matagal na kami walang Greg eh, but still we won a championship,” iterated the 11 year veteran.
“It’s a matter of everyone to step up every game. So it’s not an excuse.”
Now that damage has been done, Ginebra looks forward to their last game of the eliminations against already-eliminated NLEX Road Warriors next Sunday, January 29.
A win over NLEX would help Ginebra earn a spot in the playoffs. However, Tenorio does not want to be confident, lamenting that they are facing a dangerous team in the Road Warriors.
“Yun nga eh. Mas mahirap kalaban yung ganoong team, yung walang pressure. It’s a do or die for us.
“Wala naman kaming choice. For us we really have to win the game,” Tenorio vowed.
