Ginebra eliminates Talk N’ Text, faces Alaska in classic PBA finals match-up

LA Tenorio vs Rabeh Al-Hussaini PBA IMAGE / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Ginebra frustrated Talk N’ Text all game, coming away with a 111-103 win in game five and setting up a classic finals match-up with Alaska in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday night.

The Kings’ continue their dream run this conference to the finals — from 0-4 start in the eliminations, a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the playoffs and a 1-2 deficit in the semifinals.

“Actually there were a lot of criticisms, masyado nang madaming naging test ‘tong team na ‘to eh. Pero wala na ako mahihingi pa para sa team ko,” said head coach Alfrancis Chua.

The Kings now face the Aces — guard L.A. Tenorio’s former squad — whom the league’s crowd darling squad have had classic battles with during the finals in the 90s.

The best-of-five finals series start on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 7:30 p.m.

Tenorio on Sunday showed his invaluable worth to Ginebra as he led the Kings’ relentless attack. He also helped shut the door on the Texters midway in the fourth quarter with his countless daredevil drives.

“Na-absorb ko na yung ‘never say die’ ng Ginebra. Going into this game, di ko na inisip na may sakit ako or may injuries. Basta makapasok kami sa finals,” said Tenorio, who finished with 28 points and five rebounds.

Vernon Macklin added 22 points, Mac Baracael 21, Jayjay Helterbrand 15 and Kerby Raymundo 13 for the Kings.

The Texters, who played without forward Ranidel De Ocampo in the game, had a last ditch rally and trimmed the lead down to six anew with under a minute left but it was just too late.

After a heated and frustrating first half, Talk N’ Text came out firing in the third quarter, inching to within 66-72 — but six was the closest it ever got, even in the fourth quarter, 81-87, with 7:06 to play.

Tony Mitchell finished with a whopping 42 points, but the second-best scorer for the Texters, Jayson Castro, only had 15 points.