WATCH: LA, Christian talk about Brgy. Ginebra’s thrilling victory over Phoenix!
Veteran guard LA Tenorio delivered when it mattered as Barangay Ginebra surmounted Phoenix’s fierce challenge, 125-121 in an overtime thriller at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
The 36-year old guard drove for a clutch three-pointer with 1.2 seconds left in the last frame to force an extra period and finally notch their third straight win from a five-point deficit late in regulation.
Tenorio buried a triple and gave his team a four-point lead with 9.2 ticks to go in the extra period.
“What a hard-fought game that was,” stated Tim Cone after staying unbeaten through three games in the Governor’s Cup. “That was incredibly hard-fought.”
Ginebra’s resident import Justin Brownlee finished with a team-high 31 points, 9 boards and 8 assists while Christian Standhardinger added 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals.
Arvin Tolentino also filled the stat sheets for the Gin Kings with 20 points including a steal and layup that cut the lead to 112-111.
“We knew coming in against Phoenix, this is going to be a tough one for us. And they are a tough match-up too. They are quick and put a lot of pressure on us,” said Cone.
Aljun Melecio drained a three-pointer that gave the Fuel Masters a 112-107 advantage with 42.1 second left in the last frame but wasted the chance to notch the victory after the rookie and Paul Harris missed their free-throws.