PBA: LA Tenorio delivers clutch 3 as Ginebra forces Game 7 vs SMB

Scottie Thompson flirted with a triple-double for Ginebra. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY—Already way past his "Iron Man" self, many fans still wonder if LA Tenorio, now more seldom used than before, can still pull it off.

On Sunday night, he said yes.

The veteran point guard proved that he can still deliver at age 40 as he shot the game-winner in an 88-87 squeaker between Ginebra and San Miguel in Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Tenorio received a drive-and-kick from Scottie Thompson and shot a long three--just inside the four-point line--with 3.1 seconds left to put the Gin Kings ahead.

Thompson's assist made up for his crucial error in which a pass from RJ Abarrientos slipped through his fingers, giving the ball back to the Beermen up one then, 86-85.

However, June Mar Fajardo split his two free throws with 11.1 seconds remaining, giving Ginebra more options on how to approach its last offensive, leading up to Tenorio's dagger.

CJ Perez tried to steal the win for SMB, but he missed a four-pointer as time ran out.

Thompson came close to a triple-double with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists with one steal to lead the Gin Kings, who forced a Game 7 on Wednesday night back at "The Big Dome".

Japeth Aguilar added 16 points, four rebounds, and one block.

Fajardo had 21 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and one block to lead the Beermen, which failed to close out the best-of-seven series on their first try after blowing a 16-point lead.

Rodney Brondial added 12 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Box Scores: 

Ginebra 88-Thompson 17, J. Aguilar 16, Holt 12, Abarrientos 12, Rosario 12, Tenorio 11, Ahanmisi 2, David 2, R. Aguilar 2, Malonzo 2, Cu 0.

San Miguel 87-Fajardo 21, Perez 15, Trollano 13, Brondial 12, Cruz 6, Tautuaa 6, Teng 5, Tiongson 4, Lassiter 3, Rosales 2.

Quarterscores: 20-27, 45-54, 67-70, 88-87.

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