Tenorio sinks game-winner vs USA to lead Smart Gilas-Pilipinas to Jones Cup crown

The Smart-Gilas Pilipinas found themselves back on top after 14 long years as it downed the United States, 76-75, thanks to the heroic play of LA Tenorio in the 34th William Jones Cup last night at the TPEC gym in Taipei, Taiwan.

Tenorio, the smallest man on the floor standing only at 5-foot-8, played with the biggest heart as he scored 11 of his 20 points in the fourth period and made the game’s biggest basket to complete the Gilas’ comeback from leads that went as high as 14.

The Gilas finished the tournament with a 7-1 (win-loss) record to take home the title.  The last time the country hoisted the championship was way back in 1998 via the Centennial Team of head coach Tim Cone.

This is only the fourth time that the country has won the crown in the 34-year history of the Jones Cup. Iran, the 2007 and 2009 FIBA Asia champion, placed second at 6-2 with the USA at third (5-3).

The Americans were up by eight, 51-59, at the start of the fourth canto when Tenorio took over.

He scored seven in a 10-0 run including a runner that put the Gilas on top, 61-59.

USA last held the lead, 75-74, with 36 seconds left after Jermaine Dearman scored on a fastbreak.

Gilas head coach Chot Reyes drew up a play for Tenorio and the former Ateneo ace delivered the game-changing basket, a medium range jumper off a series of dribble moves.

“This might be the weakest Philippine team, the least prepared, smallest. What it has got is a big heart,” said Reyes in a press statement.