LA Tenorio's Clutch Performance Secures Game 7 for Barangay Ginebra

In a thrilling culmination of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinals, LA Tenorio delivered a game-winning three-pointer, leading Barangay Ginebra to an 88-87 victory over the San Miguel Beermen. This pivotal match, held on July 6, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, forced a decisive Game 7 in the best-of-seven series.

The Gin Kings faced an uphill battle, trailing by two points with only ten seconds remaining in the game. In a critical moment, the veteran guard Tenorio stepped up, securing the win with his decisive shot after a series of tense exchanges. Despite limited playing time—only 9:40 minutes in total, with seven minutes in the fourth quarter—Tenorio amassed 11 points, including three crucial three-pointers, demonstrating his invaluable experience and leadership on the court.

"Miracles do happen," remarked Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone. "We were grasping for straws out there all game long, trying to find a way to continue to defend June Mar [Fajardo] with Japeth [Aguilar] cramping most of the game, and we turned to our veteran, our leader, and he made the big plays down the stretch, something we haven't been able to do in the series. But just LA's presence out there allowed us to make big plays down the stretch."

Despite the dramatic finish, Cone emphasized that the victory was the result of collective team effort rather than a single moment of brilliance. "It was plays before that kept us in the game," he noted, highlighting the importance of teamwork in high-pressure situations.

The match was characterized by intense back-and-forth exchanges, with San Miguel initially leading 78-71 at the start of the fourth period. After Tenorio entered the game, he quickly made an impact, answering a layup by Rodney Brondial with a three-pointer that narrowed the gap to 74-80. The Gin Kings gradually clawed their way back into contention, eventually tying the game at 83 with 3:53 left on the clock.

San Miguel regained the lead through CJ Perez's layup, putting them ahead 87-85 with just over a minute left. However, Tenorio's clutch shot ultimately sealed Ginebra's fate in the series, which will culminate in a do-or-die match on Wednesday, July 9.

In addition to Tenorio's heroics, Scottie Thompson shone with a robust performance, contributing 17 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists. Japeth Aguilar added 16 points, while RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario each scored 12 points, showcasing the depth of the Ginebra roster.

For San Miguel, June Mar Fajardo led with a double-double of 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Perez, Trollano, and Brondial added 15, 13, and 12 points respectively, reflecting a strong effort despite the loss.

As both teams prepare for the decisive Game 7, the stakes couldn't be higher. The outcome will not only determine who advances to the championship but also highlight the resilience and strategic prowess of both teams in the face of adversity. With Tenorio's leadership and the collective effort of Barangay Ginebra, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling finale to this intense semifinal series.