Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ guard LA Tenorio reacts after nailing the game-winner that forced a Game 7 against San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra guard LA Tenorio showed nerves of steel in an all-important Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Sunday.
Don’t get it twisted, though, as the grizzled veteran admitted he felt the immense pressure in a back-and-forth duel down the stretch against San Miguel as the Gin Kings were fighting to keep their season alive.
READ: PBA: LA Tenorio hits ‘miracle’ as Ginebra forces Game 7 vs SMB
Ginebra coach Tim Cone and LA Tenorio after forcing a Game 7 vs. Beermen in the semis. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/1LdDfT97cg
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 6, 2025
“Honestly, I felt like a rookie again a while ago, shaking while going to the scorer’s table because you know, as a rookie, you want to make something happen. You want to help the team right away and have an impact,” said Tenorio.
“That’s what I felt honestly, going to the court, even though I’ve been playing for 20 years now in the PBA.”
From the outside looking in, it didn’t seem like Tenorio was nervous at all.
After all, Tenorio, who turns 40 years old on Wednesday, was the one who saved the day for Ginebra, which was on the verge of seeing its season come to an end.
With the Gin Kings trailing, Tenorio knocked down a cold-blooded triple with 2.6 seconds remaining that paved the way for a deciding Game 7 on Wednesday.
READ: PBA Finals: LA Tenorio spells difference for Ginebra in Game 3
It was a vintage performance in the clutch for Tenorio, who finished with 11 points, two rebounds and two assists in just nine minutes of action.
“My goal is not to shoot right away. As a veteran and a leader of the team, I want everyone to be involved. Just because I went in doesn’t mean I want to take the shot right away, even though I’m wide open.”
“They have the right to take two, three shots consecutively. They have the rhythm already.”
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Tenorio backstopped the efforts of Japeth Aguilar, who scored 16, and Scottie Thompson, who turned in a monster double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds.
A Game 7 victory by the Gin Kings earn them another finals date with rivals TNT Tropang 5G.
