PBA: Ginebra welcomes back LA Tenorio with win over skidding Terrafirma

Barangay Ginebra didn't disappoint in LA Tenorio's much-awaited return as the defending champion eked out a 110-99 victory against Terrafirma on Sunday in the 2023 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Philsports Arena.

The Gin Kings played an inspired ballgame as the veteran guard came back after a fight with a stage 3 colon cancer and saw action for the first time since February 19, 2023. 

LA THREEnorio!

63-50 Ginebra lead #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/9Omwr79Coy

— PBA (@pbaconnect) December 3, 2023

Import Tony Bishop and big man Christian Standhardinger carried the fight for Ginebra with the reinforcement putting together a double-double 26 points and 11 rebounds alongside four assists, two steals, and one block while the bruiser piled up 24 markers, 10 boards, four dimes, two swats, and one rejection. 

The win allowed Ginebra to gain a share of third with Meralco at 4-1. 

Japeth Aguilar poured in 19 points off the bench while Tenorio had six markers and three assists. 

The Dyip leaned on Javi Gomez De Liaño who churned out an all-around of 22 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and three steals but those were not enough as they absorbed their third straight loss to go 2-4. 

Scores:

Ginebra 110 – Bishop 26, Standhardinger 24, J.Aguilar 19, Malonzo 14, Ahanmisi 10, Tenorio 6, Pinto 6, Pessumal 3, Cu 2, Gumaru 0, R. Aguilar 0, Pringle 0.

Terrafirma 99 – Gomez de Liano 22, De Thaey 18, Carino 14, Tiongson 13, Go 10, Holt 7, Ramos 4, Mina 3, Camson 2, Cahilig 2, Calvo 2, ALolino 2, Miller 0.

Quarters: 25-29, 53-42, 83-68, 110-99.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News