Barangay Ginebra team captain LA Tenorio is joined by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Ginebra Gov. Alfrancis Chua, Terrafima Gov. Bobby Rosales and Tenorio’s family during recognition ceremony at halftime of the Ginebra-Terrafirma game at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. PBA photo
PBA ‘Iron Man’ Tenorio returns
DEFENDING champion Barangay Ginebra celebrated the return of superstar guard LA Tenorio to roll back Terrafirma, 110-99, and clinch their third straight win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Tenorio, known as the PBA’s “Iron Man” whose last appearance was back in the PBA Season 46 Governor’s Cup in February, finished with six points highlighted by 2-of-2 three-point shooting plus three assists, one rebound and one steal in nearly 26 minutes.
The 5-9 playmaker from Nasugbu, Batangas took centerstage at halftime to be recognized by PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, vice chairman Bobby Rosales and Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua for his gallantry in his battle with stage 3 colon cancer.
“Sobrang saya na nakabalik ako dito at saka panalo pa kami,” said the 39-year-old Tenorio, who was declared cancer-free in September 2023.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone was among those very happy to see Tenorio back in the Ginebra uniform.
“We know it’s an arduous journey to get back. Started in tears, now we have such joy for him getting back. We missed him, we missed his leadership.,” said Cone in an interview posted at the official PBA website.
With Tenorio back, Ginebra was back at full strength.
Import Tony Bishop finished with 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting and 11 rebounds andn four assists, while Christian Standhardinger added 24 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals for Ginebra, which climbed to a share of third place with Phoenix Super LPG with 4-1 win-loss slates.
A 28-13 run in the second quarter was all the Ginebra needed to beat Terrafirma.
Javi Gomez de Liano topscored with with 22 points for the Dyip, who fell to three straight losses and 2-4 overall.
Thomas De Thaey had 18 points and 14 rebounds, and Kemark Carino had 14 points and five rebounds.
The scores:
Ginebra (110) — Bishop 26, Standhardinger 24, J. Aguilar 19, Malonzo 14, Ahanmisi 10, Tenorio 6, Pinto 6, Pessumal 3, Cu 2, Pringle 0, R. Aguilar 0, Gumaru 0.
Terrafirma (99) — De Liano 22, De Thaey 18, Cari?o 14, Tiongson 13, Go 10, Holt 7, Ramos 4, Mina 3, Alolino 2, Calvo 2, Cahilig 2, Camson 2, Cahilig 0, Miller 0
Quarterscores: 25-29, 53-42, 83-68, 110-99.
Games Wednesday:
(PhilSports Arena)
4 p.m. — Converge vs. NorthPort
8 p.m.– Blackwater vs. Magnolia
