LA Tenorio expressed concern over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s capability of defending the PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown after losing to rival Magnolia in the Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
Wednesday’s 85-72 defeat in front of more than 11,000 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum marked the first time Ginebra failed to make the semifinals after seven straight appearances.
Ginebra also absorbed its second straight playoff loss to Magnolia, which won 3-1 in last season’s Governors’ Cup semifinals.
“We cannot win another championship if we don’t beat teams like Magnolia, San Miguel and even Phoenix and Rain or Shine,” Tenorio said.
Ginebra had an up-and-down showing in the Philippine Cup eliminations, losing to defending champion San Miguel Beer and Rain or Shine while barely beating Phoenix Pulse and Magnolia.
The Kings eventually finished the elims in third at 7-4 but weren’t able to close out the Hotshots after taking Game 1, 86-75, last Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Magnolia forced a decider last Monday with a lopsided 102-74 triumph.
“I think they have figured out a formula on how to beat us. Before they can’t find way on how they’ll beat us, now it’s the other way around.” (Jonas Terrado)
