Alaska playmaker scores seven points in last 18 seconds to save Aces against Ginebra

Games today:

Ynares Center, Antipolo City

4 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. Air21

6:30 p.m.- Petron vs. B-Meg

LA Tenorio completed a big four-point play and came up with an even bigger three-point basket as the Alaska Aces nosed out the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 74-72, in a thrilling out-of-town game of the 37th PBA Fiesta Cup at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, last night.

Tenorio’s clutch plays saved the Aces from the jaws of defeat with the gutsy pointguard scoring seven points in the final 18 seconds to key Alaska’s second straight win after starting the conference with 78-98 blowout loss to the Barako Bull Energy.

The Kings appeared well on its way of snatching the win when Mark Caguioa hit a shotclock-beating jumper that gave his team a 72-69 lead with 21 seconds left.

But Ginebra’s not being in the penalty worked against them.

In Alaska’s first inbound play, Mike Cortez fouled Tenorio, triggering another inbound play for the Aces. In the next play, Tenorio got the better of Cortes. Tenorio received the ball from outside the three-point line. He was about to drive when he was fouled launching a three-point shot that hit nothing but the bottom of the net.

Tenorio calmly sank the bonus free throw as the Aces suddenly found themselves on top, 73-72.

Alaska’s celebration was short-lived when Ginebra answered with its own crucial play that saw Kerby Raymundo knocking down a mid-range jumper.

In a make-or-break play, the Aces ran a back screen play for Tenorio, who used a solid pick set by Sonny Thoss to elude the defense of Jay-Jay Helterbrand.

Tenorio received a hand-off pass from import Adam Parada before firing the game-winning trifecta.

With two seconds left and already out of timeout, the Kings failed to run a decent play, sealing Alaska’s down-the-wire victory.

Tenorio finished with 23 points, five assists and shot three-for-six shooting from the three-point area.