Tenorio-Brownlee tandem still a lethal combination for Brgy. Ginebra

As seen many times before, the connection between L.A Tenorio and Justin Brownlee delivered again for Barangay Ginebra when it mattered the most.

The chemistry of the two, as per the long time Ginebra court general, paved the way for the two clutch plays that proved to be the difference maker in their 125-121 squeaker against the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup.

If not for Brownlee, those crucial plays leading to a Tenorio triple would not be possible.

The first one came in the dying seconds of the regulation while the second gave Ginebra enough cushion in the extra period en route to its third straight win in the season-ending conference.

“Lahat sila pumunta kay Justin, so nalibre ako sa ibabaw. Pag shot fake ko tumalon agad si Paul Harris. E ang layo ko pa. Nagulat din ako libreng-libre ako,” Tenorio said on his overtime-sending trey with 1.2 ticks remaining for a 114-114 deadlock.

“E kailangan ko ng itira. Ready naman ako parati,” he added. “Yung mga ganung tira pumasok o hinde, may chance. Basta binitawan may chance.”

Tenorio then punctuated his heroics when he drained a much-needed three pointer off Brownlee’s kick-out pass with 9.2 seconds left in the extra period to seal the deal for Ginebra.

“The second one was really me and Justin. We talked about it. I set a screen on him and he creates for us. Yun ang exactly sinabi ko kay Justin,” said the 37-year-old point guard.

Tenorio recorded 15 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists while Brownlee had his own share of 31 markers, nine boards, and eight dimes.

The former Ateneo Blue Eagle also added that much like the previous All-Filipino Cup which they are being the hunted, most teams are also eyeing of dethroning Ginebra in the import-laden tournament.

“Lahat ng teams kami yung target, kasi kami yung defending champion,” he said. “Just like in the Philippine Cup bubble, we’re also the defending Philippine Cup champion kaya kami yung naging target.”