Japeth Aguilar (middle) of Barangay Ginebra gets struck down by the double team of Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang (left) and Calvin Abueva. —PHOTOS BY AUGUST DELA CRUZ
An embarrassing loss to a conventional victim and the continued absence of its ace playmaker, in a way, turned out fortuitous for Barangay Ginebra, in keeping with its elder statesman LA Tenorio.
On the heels of an 87-77 conquer Magnolia that had the club improving to 3-1 within the Philippine Cup, the veteran point guard said on Sunday night that the defeat by the hands of Meralco—a team Ginebra has beaten several times in championship battles—and Scottie Thompson’s persisting back problem has allowed the gang darlings to actually recalibrate throughout the long break.
“What has happened to us, especially before the long break, made us realize that we now have to actually work harder to get back that tough form that we used to have,” he told the Inquirer on his way out of Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“In that [91-73 loss to] Meralco, we were exposed,” he added. “It’s an enormous blow that we don’t have Scottie (Thompson), too. But all that turned out to be a chance for us to get deeper into our lineup.”
Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra —PHOTOS BY AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Prolonged minutes
Sunday’s triumph saw role players Nards Pinto and Sidney Onwubere playing prolonged minutes. The pair combined for 11 points, while the 39-year-old Tenorio, chipped in five to assist Ginebra’s starters.
“It’s nice to see Nards and Sidney playing that much this early as that might ready them for the large games and for the playoffs,” Tenorio said. “Don’t get me incorrect, we miss Scottie, but it surely’s nice seeing everyone step up.” That collective outing, which had Ginebra on top of things throughout the second half, was made possible by the work the team put in even when an enormous chunk of its players were away for the All-Star Weekend.
“We had an extended break to regulate, get back to basics and regain our identity, which is playing a team game. and it was obvious tonight. We had 16 (assists) when the last time, we only had 11 assists,” Tenorio said.
“Coach Olsen (Racela), coach Richard (Del Rosario), coach Kirk (Collier) kept us going,” he added of the practices that took place during Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. “And I believe that’s what’s nice about this team. Everybody here knows learn how to be committed [to a cause],” he added. INQ
