Tenorio carries Ginebra past Barako Bull for 4th straight win

LA Tenorio vs JC Intal PBA IMAGE / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—Even with its main man Mark Caguioa sidelined, Ginebra did not slow down and booked its fourth straight win, 96-89, over Barako Bull Sunday in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

LA Tenorio carried the slack in Caguioa’s absence, posting a personal best in a Ginebra jersey with 27 points, which went along with seven rebounds and four assists.

But the sly court general had ample help as Vernon Macklin had a monster game with 33 points, and veteran Kerby Raymundo added 10.

“Buong team maganda nilaro, nagstep up talaga. Not only me and Macklin,” Tenorio said in an interview.

The Kings managed to keep a steady lead, especially in the fourth period with Mac Baracael also helping keep the Energy at bay.

Macklin punctuated the win with a monster slam off an offensive rebound, which gave Ginebra enough room, 94-85, with under a minute left to play.

The import got praises from head coach Alfrancis Chua, who said, “I give it to Macklin. He showed he’s not a pushover.”

Chua also relished the King’ steely resolve the past week which helped erase a nightmare of a 0-4 start in the conference.

“It’s just a different Ginebra the last five days, we’re playing so well,” said Chua. The Kings slipped past Meralco, 84-81, last Friday.

“By reaching the .500 [mark], it’s a big relief for Ginebra,” Chua added, as Ginebra now holds a 5-5 record.

Allein Maliksi and Danny Seigle took turns in trying to cut down the Gin Kings’ lead in the payoff period as Barako Bull import Evan Brock got into foul trouble early.

Maliksi, who played for Ginebra in the past, had a team-best 22 points while Brock and Seigle added 20 and 12, respectively..

The scores:

GINEBRA 96 – Macklin 33, Tenorio 27, Raymundo 10, Baracael 9, Ellis 7, Hatfield 7, Mamaril 2, Labagala 1, Jensen 0, Espiritu 0, Helterbrand 0.

BARAKO 89 – Maliksi 22, Brock 20, Seigle 12, Urbiztondo 8, Villanueva 7, Macapagal 6, Anthony 5, Pennisi 5, Kramer 2, Allado 2,  Duncil 0, Intal 0.

Quarters: 25-19, 46-43, 75-67, 96-89