Game 3 win renews Ginebra’s confidence says Tenorio

EVEN as they already have two championships at the expense of Meralco, Ginebra had doubts about their chances against the Bolts going into the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.

A retooled Meralco team certainly feels different this year and they have that vibe of a team of destiny.

Despite all of that though, the Gin Kings are up 2-1 after three games in these Finals, and a big second-half run in Game 3 helped renew some lost confidence on the part of the barangay.

Holding on to a one-point lead at the break, Ginebra outscored Meralco by 19 in the third and once again hit some clutch shots in the fourth to take the victory.

“Malaking bagay itong panalo na to samin, not only because of the win but because of how we played for the first three quarters. Malaking confidence boost sa amin yun, nagkaroon kami ng belief sa sarili namin na we can beat this team,” guard LA Tenorio said.

“Going into this series, we were really doubting how we can beat this team because they’re really good defensively. Unti-unti, nagkakaroon na kami ng kumpiyansa sa sarili namin,” he added.

Halfway to another Governors’ Cup title, Tenorio says that Ginebra will need to keep its defense strong.

The Gin Kings are doing an admirable job containing Meralco import Allen Durham, but a handlful of Bolts reserves have been getting quality production in separate games.

“I think our defense is getting better, especially against Durham. But we have to take a look at kung ano pwede namin gawin sa mga locals nila, nagkakaroon ng mga surprise contributions,” Tenorio said.

“This game [Game 3} it was [Brian] Faundo and [Trevis] Jackson, we cannot take anything for granted talaga. I have to give credit to all their players also for being ready all the time. Last game it was Salva, we cannot do that for the whole series. Yes we’re containing Durham, I think we have to contain everyone na,” LA added.