MANILA — LA Tenorio’s first night as Magnolia head coach turned into a statement win — and a deeply personal one — as the Hotshots stunned his former squad, Barangay Ginebra, 80-73, in an emotional opener of the PBA’s 50th season on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tenorio, who succeeded Chito Victolero and made his head coaching debut against his longtime mentor Tim Cone, admitted that the matchup carried emotional weight but credited his players for keeping their composure amid the sentimental backdrop.
“It was really hard. Emotionally, I had to battle, and I really had to challenge my players that it’s not about me and coach Tim; it’s about the players of Magnolia and the players of Ginebra,” Tenorio said.
“And I want to thank the players and the coaching staff. They wanted to guide me, knowing it’s difficult in this kind of atmosphere. The players were ready going into this game. I appreciated their effort and their focus.”
The Hotshots immediately set the tone with a blistering 17-3 run in the opening quarter and never relinquished control, showing discipline and poise under their rookie coach.
Zavier Lucero led the charge for Magnolia with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals in 32 minutes, while Jerom Lastimosa and Javi Gomez de Liano chipped in 14 points apiece.
“It feels like we’re a new team with coach LA. By no means is it a championship, but it’s a good thing to start the season,” Lucero said.
The Hotshots’ victory not only marked a winning debut for Tenorio but also a measure of revenge for their quarterfinal loss to TNT last season — signaling their intent to reclaim elite status under fresh leadership.
Stephen Holt led Ginebra with 16 points and 17 rebounds, followed by Jamie Malonzo Gray with 13, while Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos added 12 and 11, respectively.
For Cone and the Gin Kings, the defeat was an uncharacteristic stumble to open their campaign, while for Tenorio, it was the perfect beginning to what he called “a good start for a new journey.”/PN
BOX SCORE:
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, Aguilar 5, Cu 3, Torres 2, David 2, Thompson 0.
Quarterscores: 23-14, 36-30, 61-48, 80-73.
