Gin Kings celebrate LA Tenorio’s return with 11-point win over Dyip

Brgy. Ginebra warmly welcomed back LA Tenorio, who made a triumphant return in their 110-99 win over Terrafirma, Sunday night in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The rousing victory holds special significance as it marks Tenorio’s comeback after battling stage 3 colon cancer since last March.

Despite the challenges he faced, Tenorio’s determination and resilience shone through as he started the game and motivated the Gin Kings to secure their fourth win in five games.

The “Gineral” finished with six points, three assists and a rebound in 25 minutes of action.

Brgy. Ginebra head coach Tim Cone paid tribute to the team’s chief playmaker for his long journey back to the hardcourt.

“It’s been an incredible journey for LA… He started with a bunch of tears… But he just put his nose to the ground and worked his way back,” said Cone. “We know it was a really arduous journey to get back.”

“We missed him, we missed his leadership. It was evident on the floor, we struggled a little bit against their zone and LA stepped up and made two big three pointers to keep us moving. That’s LA.”

Tony Bishop paced the defending champions with 26 points and 11 rebounds. He also contributed 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Christian Standhardinger recorded a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds while Japeth Aguilar added 19 points and 7 rebounds.

The team played without Scottie Thompson, who was sidelined with a knee injury.

Javi Gomez de Liano led the Dyip with 22 points while Thomas de Thaey chipped in 18 points.

The scores:

Brgy. 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 Lia?o 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.