Ginebra down but not out, insists defiant Tenorio

Ginebra down but not out, insists defiant Tenorio


"First quarter pa lang talo na kami, 'yun 'yung game. Parang wala kami sa focus coming into this game. Defensively and offensively wala talaga as in zero," says Ginebra playmaker LA Tenorio. Jerome Ascano


IN the short span of time that he has been with Barangay Ginebra, LA Tenorio has learned to embrace and embody the team’s never-say-die spirit.

Despite being blown away by Alaska Aces, 70-87, in the opener of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday night, the veteran playmaker believes the Kings still have what it takes to bounce back in the best-of-five series and end the franchise’s five-year title drought.

"We're still okay. We're down but we're not yet out," said Tenorio, who the Kings acquired in a trade during the off-season from Alaska. “Andito na ito, better for us to adjust sa next game."

Game Two is set Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Tenorio was the first to admit he and the rest of the Kings went the series lacking in both energy and focus following an emotionally draining semifinals series against Talk `N Text that went the distance.

The moment the Kings fell at a 0-14 deficit early in the first quarter, Tenorio knew right away the team was already in dire straits.

"We played relaxed, we played (as if we were) very satisfied that we're here in the Finals which is hindi pwede," said the former Ateneo star.

"First quarter pa lang talo na kami, 'yun 'yung game. Parang wala kami sa focus coming into this game. Defensively and offensively wala talaga as in zero."

The Kings struggled against Alaska’s defense so badly they finished 3-of-27 from three-point range.

The Aces began the second half by scoring eight unanswered points to build their biggest lead of the game at 54-24 on the way to their third straight win over Ginebra in this conference alone.

"Hirap kami as a team sa Alaska," Tenorio said. "Kasi they are very disciplined, they are controlling the tempo very well, kino-kontra nila 'yung fast game namin. As a team talaga struggling kami sa Alaska."

Source: Spin.ph

"We played relaxed, we played (as if we were) very satisfied that we're here in the Finals which is hindi pwede," said the former Ateneo star.

This! ilang beses din nabanggit ng mga commentator kagabe na baka satisfied na sila ng nakapasok sa Finals, sana naman hindi, sana maka bounce back sila sa game 2!