LA Tenorio’s Heroics Force Game 7 as Ginebra Survives San Miguel in Thrilling Game 6
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel isn’t done yet.
With their season on the line, the Gin Kings leaned on veteran leadership and clutch execution to escape with a heart-stopping 88-87 victory over the San Miguel Beermen in Game 6 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals on Sunday, July 6, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
And at the heart of it all? LA Tenorio.
The 40-year-old guard, playing limited minutes throughout the series, turned back the clock and delivered when it mattered most—drilling the game-winning three-pointer with 3.1 seconds left to force a do-or-die Game 7 set for Wednesday, July 9, at the same venue.
Tenorio’s Vintage Spark
Tenorio checked into the game in the fourth quarter with Ginebra trailing 71-78—and immediately took over. In just 9 minutes and 40 seconds of play, the 40-year-old veteran poured in all 11 of his points, shooting an efficient 4-of-5 from the field, including a flawless 3-of-3 from long range. He also chipped in two rebounds and two assists.
Tenorio quickly buried a triple to cut the deficit to 74-80, then later knocked down the game-tying three to even the score at 83 with under four minutes left. But his biggest moment came in the final seconds—sinking the go-ahead triple with just 3.1 ticks remaining to overturn an 85-87 deficit and deliver a classic Ginebra escape.
His final basket came off a kick-out from Scottie Thompson, who put up a near triple-double with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists in a gutsy all-around effort.
Ginebra’s Balanced Support Cast
Alongside Tenorio and Thompson, Japeth Aguilar contributed 16 points and four rebounds, while Stephen Holt, Troy Rosario, and RJ Abarrientos added 12 points apiece, keeping Ginebra within striking distance throughout the contest.
Down by as many as 16 points, the Gin Kings clawed their way back thanks to crucial stops and timely buckets, eventually erasing a nine-point hole (80-71) midway through the fourth with a fierce run led by Tenorio.
San Miguel Falters Late
The Beermen had their chances to seal the series. June Mar Fajardo, the Best Player of the Conference frontrunner, delivered a solid line of 21 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and one block—but it was his missed free throws down the stretch that proved costly. The six-time MVP went just 2-of-4 from the line in the final three minutes, leaving the door open for Ginebra’s rally.
San Miguel’s offense stalled in the clutch, and despite their strong third-quarter surge, they couldn’t contain Ginebra’s late-game momentum.
WATCH: Ginebra vs. San Miguel (Game 6 – July 6, 2025) Game Highlights
By the Numbers
- Ginebra shot 42.4% from the field, edging out San Miguel’s 39.5%
- Both teams struggled from deep: Ginebra hit 23.5% from three, while San Miguel went 21.1%
- Ginebra had the edge in assists (26-19) and perimeter points (42-26)
With everything on the line, it’s all down to Game 7. Will Ginebra complete the comeback, or will San Miguel punch its ticket to the finals?
Tip-off is set for Wednesday, July 9, at the Big Dome.
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