Magnolia Stuns Ginebra as Tenorio Wins Coaching Debut
LA Tenorio couldn’t have asked for a better start to his coaching career.
The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots gave their new mentor a dream debut by defeating his former team, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 80–73, in the opening game of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was a storybook beginning for Tenorio, the former Ginebra captain and eight-time PBA champion, who guided Magnolia to a hard-fought victory in front of a packed crowd eager for another classic chapter of the Manila Clasico rivalry.
Leading the way for the Hotshots was Zavier Lucero, who put on a two-way masterclass with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and a block — just hours after being named to the Season 49 Mythical Second Team and All-Defensive Team during the Leo Awards.
Javi Gomez de Liaño and Jerom Lastimosa chipped in 14 points apiece, with the duo combining for six of Magnolia’s nine triples, while Rome dela Rosa added 12 markers, including the first basket of the league’s golden season.
Magnolia wasted no time asserting control, opening the game with a 10–0 blitz and extending the lead to 21–7 early on. Their strong start set the tone as the Hotshots maintained the upper hand for most of the night. By the fourth quarter, Magnolia led by as many as 15 points (63–48) before Ginebra’s signature “Never Say Die” spirit kicked in.
The Gin Kings mounted a fierce rally, trimming the deficit to just six points twice in the final frame. But the Hotshots held their ground, responding with a clutch 7–0 run led by Mark Barroca, Lucero, and Lastimosa to rebuild a double-digit cushion at 72–59 with under six minutes remaining.
Late buckets from Gomez de Liaño and Dela Rosa sealed the deal, ensuring Tenorio’s debut ended in triumph — and against his old team, no less.
For Ginebra, Stephen Holt paced the attack with 16 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Jeremiah Gray and Troy Rosario contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively. Despite a spirited comeback, the Gin Kings couldn’t complete the turnaround and dropped their opening assignment in what was a gritty, low-scoring battle.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
The win marks a promising start for Magnolia under Tenorio, who showed poise and composure in his first game calling the shots. The Hotshots will try to keep the momentum going when they face newcomers Titan Ultra on Friday, October 17, at 5:15 p.m., still at the Big Dome.
Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra will aim to bounce back quickly as they take on TNT on October 15, setting up an early rematch of last year’s Finals showdown.
With the Manila Clasico once again delivering drama, intensity, and emotion, the PBA’s 50th season is off to a golden start.
The Scores:
Magnolia 80 – Lucero 17, Lastimosa 14, Gomez de Liano 14, dela Rosa 12, Sangalang 9, Barroca 7, Laput 5, Dionisio 2, Lee 0, Verano 0, Alfaro 0, Escoto 0.
Ginebra 73 – Holt 16, Gray 13, Rosario 12, Abarrientos 11, Estil 9, J.Aguilar 5, Cu 3, Torres 2, David 2, Thompson 0.
Quarter Scores: 23-14, 36-30, 61-48, 80-73.
