By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel booked another PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals ticket after ousting the Magnolia Chicken Timplados, 99-84, in their semifinal series last December 21, 2022, held at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Veteran point guard LA Tenorio exploded at the most perfect time and put up a vintage performance after dropping 18 big points, five rebounds, and five assists.
The PBA multi-champion and former Gilas Pilipinas orchestrator immediately put his imprints in the game after firing 10 quick points in the first quarter alone.
After hitting his first three-pointer in the 5:54 mark of the first frame, Tenorio then waxed hot from the shooting field that set Ginebra’s tone for the rest of the game.
What was once a 12-all deadlock suddenly became a 29-18 advantage in favor of the Gin Kings, thanks to Tenorio’s impressive last five minute-scoring-spree.
It was still all Ginebra in the second frame as the duo of Japeth Aguilar and Justin Brownlee schooled Magnolia’s defense in the perimeter.
Despite head coach Chito Victolero’s adjustments by going into a zone midway through the second period, the Tim Cone-led wards still ran a perfect hoops show that extended their lead to 12, 53-41, heading into the second half.
The Gin Kings continued their relentless attack in the second half and never allowed the Chicken Timplados to cut their lead to five points, answering every Magnolia run while staying patient with their defensive schemes.
“We created a lot of open shots talaga within our offense because of our execution, kaya siguro nagkakaroon din ng opportunity for me to take the shot because it’s open, not only me but the other guards also,” Tenorio said.
Brownlee top-scored Ginebra with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists while Aguilar contributed 19 points and eight rebounds.
On the other hand, the Chicken Timplados got a solid outing from Calvin Abueva with 14 points and six rebounds but was still not enough to contain Ginebra’s balanced attack.
Ginebra’s win set them up with a highly-anticipated grand finals clash with PBA’s foreign guest team Bay Area Dragons led by former NBA player Andrew Nicholson.
