Ginebra survives Talk ‘N Text, makes quarterfinals

LA Tenorio of Ginebra (light) vs Jason Castro and Ranidel De Ocampo of Talk N Text (dark).

MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel held off a fiery Talk ‘N Text rally, 110-102, in their knockout match for the final quarterfinals slot in the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Chief point guard LA Tenorio scattered 24 points, 10 assists and three steals to lead the Gin Kings, who arranged a date with top-seeded Petron Blaze Boosters in the quarterfinals.

“We were able to control the tempo of the game. Lahat ng players talagang binigay nila effort, energy and intensity nila,” said Ginebra head coach Ato Agustin.

Ginebra blew a 21-point lead as TNT pulled to within three, 98-101, on a free throw by Larry Fonacier with still 2:53 left.

But Tenorio just refused to let Ginebra lose complete control of the game with big shots down the stretch.

Ginebra import Dior Lowhorn scored 31 points, including a bailout shot that gave his team a 103-98 cushion with 2:27 left.

Tenorio followed Lowhorn’s shot with two free throws and a three-point play that sealed the win.

Fonacier paced the Tropang Texters with 31 points while import Courtney Fells cooled off in the fourth quarter after going berserk in the third period with 19 of his 26 points.

Originally posted at 9:22 p.m.