The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings etched another unforgettable chapter in their storied rivalry against the San Miguel Beermen, this time courtesy of a heart-stopping, game-winning three-pointer from veteran playmaker LA Tenorio. The Gin Kings snatched a dramatic victory as the final buzzer sounded, leaving the Beermen stunned and the Ginebra faithful in a frenzy.
The Gin Kings, showed its Never-Say-Die attitude and stunned the Beermen, 88-87. The Gin Kings looked left for dead with 8:34 to go in the fourth, trailing 78-71. Time was not on Ginebra’s side but like the master tactician that he was, Coach Tim Cone made a “magic bunot” in Tenorio.
El Tinyente, Tenorio came off the bench and scored all of his 11 points in the period, including the triple with 3.1 seconds that allowed Ginebra to force a do-or-die game in the best-of-seven series. The tension inside the arena was palpable from the opening tip-off, as both teams traded baskets in a tightly contested affair. The lead exchanged hands multiple times throughout the game, with neither squad able to establish a significant advantage. San Miguel, boasting their formidable lineup, looked poised to take the win, holding a slim lead in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter.
However, Ginebra, known for their never-say-die spirit, refused to surrender. With time running out, Scottie Thompson passed the ball to LA Tenorio, who calmly sized up his defender just beyond the three-point arc. In a moment that will be replayed for years to come, “The Captain” rose up and released a high-arching shot that swished through the net as the buzzer blared.
The arena erupted in a thunderous roar as confetti rained down, celebrating Ginebra’s improbable victory. Tenorio was immediately swarmed by his teammates, their faces a mixture of elation and disbelief. The San Miguel Beermen, on the other hand, could only watch in stunned silence as their hard-fought effort came undone in the most dramatic fashion.
Scottie Thompson led the Gin Kings with an all-around performance of 17 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 assists. Japeth Aguilar put up 16 points and 4 rebounds, while Stephen Holt, Troy Rosario, and RJ Abarrientos put up 12 points each in the victory. Best Player of the Conference frontrunner June Mar Fajardo paced the Beermen with 21 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists, although his missed free throws down the stretch cost San Miguel.
This victory is more than just a single win for Ginebra; it’s a testament to their resilience, their unwavering belief, and the clutch performances that have become synonymous with the franchise. LA Tenorio, a veteran of countless battles, once again proved his worth, delivering when his team needed him most.
Game 7 is set this Wednesday at the Big Dome.
