Tenorio scores 34 as Ginebra secures first victory in PBA

Games today:

Mall of Asia Arena

4:15 p.m.- Air21 vs. Barako Bull

6:30 p.m.- San Mig vs. Talk ‘N Text

LA Tenorio piled up import-like numbers to power the Barangay Ginebra Kings to a 98-85 win over the Meralco Bolts last night in the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Tenorio erupted with a career-high 34 points, plucked seven rebounds and dished out seven assists in a splendid performance that helped the Kings tally their first win after starting the tournament with a 95-101 loss to sister-team Petron Blaze.

It was Ginebra’s first victory under Ato Agustin, who is calling the shots in lieu of Al Francis Chua. Chua went on leave during the off season.

Import Dior Lowhorn backed Tenorio with 17 points and 15 rebounds, Mark Caguioa chipped in 15 markers, four boards and six assists, while new recruit Japeth Aguilar collected 13 markers, seven rebounds and swatted four attempts.

Ginebra took off to a quick start, building a 35-21 lead in the second quarter before Meralco put up a big fightback and grabbed the upper-hand at the break, 43-44.

For a while, the two protagonists were in for a dogfight but the five-foot-nine Tenorio went berserk, unloading 16 of his total output in the third that saw the Kings turning a slim three-point lead to a 74-64 bubble.

Meralco again prevented Ginebra from completely pulling away when it moved to within seven points, 69-76. But the Kings started the fourth with a torrid run to build a 15-point lead to seal the win.

Mario West paced the Bolts with 21 points, John Wilson fired 16, while Reynel Hugnatan contributed 10.

The Bolts lost their last two games since starting the tournament with a big 89-83 win over Petron.

BOX SCORES

GINEBRA (98)- Tenorio 34, Lowhorn 17, Caguioa 15, Aguilar 13, Ellis 9, Helterbrand 6, Urbiztondo 4, Baracael 0, Maierhofer 0, Wilson 0, Mamaril 0.

MERALCO (85)- West 21, Wilson 17, Hodge 16, Hugnatan 10, Ross 6, Timberlake 6, Salvacion 5, Mangahas 2, Reyes 2, Baclao 0, Guevarra 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 28-19; 43-44; 76-69; 98-85.