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Despite being on the losing end of a 72-70 heartbreaker against San Miguel, Barangay Ginebra point guard LA Tenorio still believes the Kings have a lot to learn from the loss.
“We fought even though we’re struggling offensively. We didn’t quit. I think that’s the positive side. We did a good job defending San Miguel,” he said.
Tenorio, however, noted that what let the Gin Kings down were their offense, as they shot a measly 36-percent from the field, including a paltry 3-of-19 shooting from threes.
“We have to make our shots. That’s basketball. You have to make your shots to win,” he said. “We have to gain our confidence back every game. But I hope this game will give us the confidence going to the next games.”
Ginebra still had a chance to force overtime, but Tenorio missed a floater against a tough contest by San Miguel forward Arwind Santos in the endgame.
Still, the veteran playmaker noted the shot could’ve gone either way, and in the end, it’s not just Ginebra’s game to win.
“The last play was designed for me. Coach lets me make the plays during those times. I just missed my shot and it is what it is. Aside from that one shot, I think if we’re going to look at the whole game, I think it’s a good sign for us. If we play like that in the next games, we can go a long way,” he said.
Tenorio could also take solace knowing that the Gin Kings fought hard against the league leaders, a positive sign heading into the team’s final four games.
“San Miguel is not an easy team to beat. They had a lot of players in foul trouble but we still had a hard time against them,” he said. “But we know that games like this will prepare us really going to the next games and the playoffs.”
Facing a relatively light schedule with duels slated against teams at the bottom half of the standings, Tenorio is confident Ginebra can still make a late run to the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup playoffs.
“We still has a chance and we hold our cards. If we play like that against other teams, I think we have a big chance to win those games,” he said.
Ginebra faces Meralco next Saturday in Iloilo.