Ginebra LA guard Tenorio (5) applauds during a Christmas Day game against Magnolia in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — It was Christmas nostalgia for LA Tenorio and Barangay Ginebra after blowing away the Magnolia Hotshots in familiar fashion on Wednesday.
Down by 22 points, the Gin Kings pulled off a spectacular comeback against the Hotshots, 95-92, on a buzzer-beating triple from Scottie Thompson at Araneta Coliseum.
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Thompson’s decisive shot brought back memories of exactly nine years ago, when Tenorio made a 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat his rivals in overtime and advance to the semifinals of the Philippine Cup.
READ: PBA: Ginebra rallies and beats Magnolia on Scottie Thompson winner
“I’m even next to you, huh. I told him, ‘Don’t leave there, you’ll be free,'” Tenorio told Inquirer Sports.
“Same. This game will also be remembered like that time. It’s almost the same area, the left corner and I’m so happy for the team and the victory. We needed this victory after what happened to us Come the last game, we needed this victory.
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Ginebra was coming off a 98-91 loss to Converge in Batangas four nights ago in a game where the Gin Kings squandered a 17-point lead.
Thompson had his usual all-around effort in Ginebra’s win, collecting 14 points, five rebounds and six assists as the Gin Kings improved their record to 4-2.
READ: PBA: On Christmas Day, Magnolia seeks a gift against Ginebra
More than the victory, Tenorio was happy to give PBA fans a gift for Christmas.
“Whenever we play the Manila Clasico or any Christmas game, we really keep in mind that this game is for PBA fans.”
“We want to give them a good game, so it doesn’t matter if we win or lose, as long as we give them what they deserve. That’s the best gift we can give to PBA fans.
Ginebra returns to action on January 5 against San Miguel Beer at the same venue.
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