PBA: Tenorio victorious in coaching debut as Magnolia stuns Ginebra

Magnolia Hotshots‘ Javi Gomez de Liaño against Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos in the PBA 50 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images.MANILA (UPDATED) — LA Tenorio is victorious in his coaching debut with the Magnolia Hotshots, and the triumph came against his former team Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

The former long-time Gin King passed his first test as Magnolia head coach following their 80-73 PBA Season 50 opening day win on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

“I feel good about this win, but we did not achieve anything,” downplayed Tenorio following the victory. “It’s just one win in the standings, and it’s just a normal game for us.”

“And it’s not about me and Coach Tim [Cone], it’s about the players of Magnolia against the players of Ginebra,” added the former long-time Gin King.

Leading the charge for the Hotshots was Zav Lucero who topscored with 17 points seven rebounds, four assists, four steals, and a block, while newcomer Javi Gomez de Liaño fired 14 markers on 4-of-10 shooting from long range with two boards.

It was the said University of the Philippines products who kept Magnolia ahead throughout the contest as they spearheaded a 17-to-3 charge to open the game, while De Liaño went on to hit timely shots to spoil every attempt by Ginebra to crawl back.

Tenorio then went on to show appreciation for the Hotshots for gifting him this victory, saying that it is they who need to be hailed for the result.

“I just want to thank the players and our staff for guiding me,” said the Ateneo de Manila University alum. “Alam nila na mahirap, especially with the atmosphere. The players were ready for this game, and they really wanted to give me my first win.”

On the other hand, Stephen Holt led the Gin Kings with 16 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists, while Jeremiah Gray and Troy Rosario tallied 13 and 12, respectively.

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.

Quarterscores: 23-14, 36-30, 61-48, 80-73.