LA Tenorio exploded for 32 points against Alaska to lead Barangay Ginebra for a semifinals clash with defending champion San Miguel Beer.
The Gin Kings ousted the Aces, 109-104, in a highly charged quarterfinals match Friday, marking Ginebra’s first Final Four appearance in eight conferences.
Justin Brownlee fired 28 points to help Ginebra seal a best-of-five semifinals series against sister team San Miguel.
“The guys had never got past the quarters in a long while. It’s a first big step for them,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone in the PBA website.
“It’s great to be in the semis. It’s nice to be back. Our reward is we’ve got to play San Miguel Beer. We’re gonna enjoy tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll refocus and have to be ready.”
Tenorio was on fire, instigating most of Ginebra’s decisive runs in the second and third quarters. His teammates joined the fray in the final quarter.
Alaska threatened to seize the lead when it pulled within 104-105 with 31 seconds remaining.
But Brownlee nailed a triple that gave Ginebra a 108-104 wriggling room.
Calvin Abueva could have brought the Aces closer, but he missed three of his attempts from the stripe.
LaDontae Henton finished with 27 points for Alaska. Abueva had 17.
The Kings came into the playoffs with a twice-to-beat bonus.
Box scores:
Ginebra 109 – Tenorio 32, Brownlee 29, Mercado 14, Aguilar 12, Marcelo 7, Devance 6, Caguioa 4, Thompson 3, Cruz 2, Mariano 0, Helterbrand 0.
Alaska 104 – Henton 27, Abueva 17, Jazul 13, Hontiveros 12, Manuel 10, Casio 9, Thoss 9, Banchero 5, Racal 2, Baclao 0, Dela Rosa 0, Exciminiano 0.
Quarterscores: 23-23, 53-41, 86-66, 109-104
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