PBA: Tenorio breaks out of slump as Ginebra snaps losing skid vs Alaska

LA Tenorio led the charge for the Gin Kings. KC Cruz

LA Tenorio broke out of his slump in a big way, scoring 22 points to lead Barangay Ginebra San Miguel past Alaska, 91-82, on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

 

Tenorio had plenty of help, with Japeth Aguilar, Mac Baracael, Joseph Yeo, and Greg Slaughter posting double figures for the Gin Kings, who improved to 6-4 in the Philippine Cup after breaking their three-game losing streak.

 

"After a certain point you get tired of losing," said Ginebra coach Jeffrey Cariaso. "Guys are determined tonight. We are so desperate, our backs were against the wall."

 

Leading the charge was Tenorio, who had been playing poorly all tournament long after spending the offseason with Gilas Pilipinas. His basket with 2:18 left gave the Gin Kings a 95-85 lead and doused water on Alaska's hopes of a comeback.

 

"A lot of people are hard on him. But even with us 5-4 and losing three in a row, LA is running our offense," said Cariaso. "In fairness to him, he handled the last few games very well."

 

Alaska fell to second place in the standings at 8-2. The Aces have one game remaining — a matchup against Rain or Shine (7-2) — that could end up deciding which team will get one of the top two seeds, which come with an automatic spot in the final four. — JST, GMA News