Manila, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra managed to continue its “Never Say Die” mentality as they survived the scorching firepower of San Miguel Beermen and forced a game seven last night during the PBA semifinals Game 7.
The Beermen had the highest scoring lead of 16 points, yet the Gin Kings were forced to trim it into single digits to end the first half.
Proceeding the second half, San Miguel looked like they will finally secure the win yet Ginebra says otherwise.
Bit by bit, they slowly cut the point differential and achieved a comeback to a situation where it’s anyone’s ball game in the fourth quarter.
Its intensity sends shivers to the fans, no one can even predict who will serve as the victor in the match.
It came to a point of both teams switching the lead, and it caused a more intense environment for the fans, viewers, staff, and the two teams competing last night.
A veteran stepped up and rose to the occasion: it was L.A. Tenorio.
His impact served as their anchor: with his ability to play make and still shoot an efficient three-pointer, the game was close solely because of his presence.
He played crucial minutes, including his clutch three-point to give the Gin Kings the lead.
The feeling was nostalgic, producing an effective 11 points with his three-out-of-three three-point makes.
The main stars of Barangay Ginebra stepped up as well, doing what they usually do to help the team.
Scottie Thompson had 17 points, Japeth Aguilar had 16 points, Stephen Holt, Troy Rosario, and R.J. Abarrientos had 12 points each.
As for San Miguel, Jun Mar Fajardo had an outstanding 21 points and 16 rebounds.
His co-star C.J. Perez had himself struggling in the game, having 15 points; however, he only made five out of 22 field goals.
The final score of the game — 88 – 87.
The two will meet again in a game seven match-up on Wednesday, July 9. —Kyle Basa, Eurotv News