LA Tenorio scored seven points in less than 20 seconds, lifting the Alaska Aces to a thrilling 76-74 victory over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday in Lucena City.
With the Aces down three points, 72-69, with 19.7 seconds left in the game, Mike Cortez attempted to foul Tenorio, who threw up a shot from behind the arc upon hearing the whistle. After conferring, the referees decided to count Tenorio’s basket, and the Alaska guard hit the bonus free throw to give the Aces a one-point lead.
Kerby Raymundo scored a fadeaway jumper with six seconds left that brought Ginebra back to the driver’s seat, 74-73.
After Alaska sued for time, Tenorio hit the game-winning three-pointer with two seconds left, leaving the Gin Kings and their legions of die-hard fans stunned.
It was the second straight victory for the Aces, who also defeated the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. The team improved its win-loss record to 2-1, showing that it’s getting more comfortable with the free-flowing system of Banal.
It was the second straight exciting finish for Ginebra, but it was at the wrong end of a game-winner this time. Jayjay Helterbrand hit the game-winning three-pointer last Sunday that towed the Gin Kings over the Petron Blaze Boosters.
With the loss, Ginebra’s record dropped to 1-1.
It was a game where both teams hardly felt the effectiveness of their respective imports. Alaska’s Adam Parada and Ginebra’s Chris Alexander finished with seven points each.
Cyrus Baguio topped all scorers with 29 points. Mark Caguioa scored 19 points to lead the Gin Kings.
The scores:
Alaska (76) — Baguio 29, Tenorio 23, Parada 7, Baracael 5, Thoss 4, Reyes 4, Bugia 2, Custodio 2, Eman 0, Salamat 0.
Ginebra (74) — Caguioa 19, Cortez 13, Raymundo 12, Ababou 9, Alexander 7, Helterbrand 5, Canaleta 4, Labagala 3, Mamaril 1, Wilson, W. 1
Quarterscores: 18-17, 32-41, 58-56, 76-74
Source: Reynaldo Belen, interAKTV
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