LA Tenorio rose to the occasion once more, increasing the number of three-pointers he has made and escalating his fascinating competition with Marcio Lassiteron for the PBA record.

In Game 5 of the Philippine Cup semifinals on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Barangay Ginebra defeated Meralco 89-84. Tenorio ended with seven points and was 1-of-1 from three-point range.

In the final three games of the series, he has made at least one three-pointer, raising his total to 1,221.

Even though he stayed at number four overall, his 1,224 puts him only a hair’s breadth behind Lassiter at number three.

Just last week, Lassiter moved up to third overall, overtaking Tenorio.

LA and Marcio engage in amicable rivalry

Naturally, this is merely a friendly rivalry between the two greatest gunners in PBA history.

The 39-year-old guard for Barangay Ginebra first admitted that he was considering the record, particularly after Lassiter overtook him on May 19 when he made three of six free throws in Game 2 of San Miguel’s semifinal series against Rain or Shine, a 106-89 victory.

If Lassiter hadn’t gone 0-of-3 from beyond the arc in San Miguel’s 107-100 victory over Rain or Shine last Friday, the stakes could have been even higher.

Tenorio got closer to recovering his position as he made a three-pointer shortly before the game’s third quarter whistle on Sunday, cutting Meralco’s lead of 15 points to just 69-67 going into the fourth quarter.

With Game 6 scheduled for this Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, he might even surpass Lassiter.

If needed, Game 7 will take place on Friday at San Jose, Batangas’ FPJ Arena.
Lassiter won’t get another chance to increase his tally until Game 1 of the all-Filipino championship series.

Alapag, Caidic remains dominant

The records of first-place finisher Jimmy Alapag and second-place finisher Allan Caidic could be eclipsed as the two battle it out.

With 1,250, Alapag now holds the record, and Caidic is second with 1,242.

The two renowned shooters have already left the game.

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra defeated Meralco, 89-84, in the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, taking the lead in their PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup semifinal series thanks to a brilliant effort from Christian Standhardinger.

With his 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, Standhardinger helped Ginebra take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

At the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, the Gin Kings can win the series and set up a finals matchup with San Miguel.

Ginebra trailed 59-44 halfway through the third quarter, but LA Tenorio’s buzzer-beating three-pointer reduced the margin to two, 69-67.

Standhardinger’s mid range jumpers gave the Gin Kings a 9-0 edge that placed them up 82-79. Although the Bolts managed to equalize the game, the advantage was reverted to the Gins by a Japeth Aguilar hook shot and a Scottie Thompson three.

After Ginebra’s 90-71 victory last Friday, the team has now won two straight games in the series.

For the Gin Kings, Maverick Ahanmisi finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Aguilar contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Despite forcing the Gin Kings into 12 turnovers in the first half, the Bolts led 44–40 at the break and still lost. Cliff Hodge gave Meralco a 15-point lead, but Ginebra rallied for a 10-0 run to stay in the contest.

With 18 points, six assists, and seven rebounds from Chris Banchero and 17 points and six rebounds from Chris Newsome, Meralco will try to force an out-of-town game in San Jose, Batangas on Friday.

The Scores

Barangay Ginebra 89 – Standhardinger 34, Ahanmisi 13, J. Aguilar 10, Pringle 9, Tenorio 7, Thompson 5, Pinto 5, Cu 5, Pessumal 1, Murrell 0.

Meralco 84 – Banchero 18, Newsome 17, Hodge 14, Maliksi 13, Caram 8, Quinto 7, Almazan 4, Bates 3, Dario 0, Torres 0, Pascual 0.

Quarter scores: 22-19; 40-44; 67-69; 89-84.