Tenorio chalks up heroics to years of big-game experience

MANILA, Philippines – When Lewis Alfred “LA” Tenorio struck that 3-point dagger that sunk Meralco for an 86-76 victory in Game Two of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals, the point guard for Barangay Ginebra merely shrugged and said, “it was the moment.”

Yet, Tenorio has had many such moments since he was playing for Ateneo in the UAAP and in his 13-year PBA career. The court general shrugged off any “magic” and merely pointed to the big game experience he has soaked up through the years.

“There is no secret sa ginagawa ko ngayon,” said Tenorio. “I have been in this league for 13 years now and the reason I can play at a high level is I make full use of that experience especially against younger players. And there were my playing years for Ateneo where every game was a big game for us. Kapag sanay ka sa ganyan level — playing for Ateneo and Alaska before, for Ginebra now, you just draw from that experience.”

The point guard has played in multiple finals for the Blue Eagles, the Aces and the Gin Kings while winning a smattering of titles.

Tenorio is aware of all the mileage he has logged and makes it a point to do extra workouts outside practice. “It helps to stay in shape even during the off-season, to eat right, keep your mind at ease too.”

Tenorio believes that also playing for the country’s most popular professional basketball team helps. “I am happy and very blessed to be part of the Ginebra team. Grabe yung support na binibigay sa amin.”

“Ang ma-share ko lang dahil sa fans namin na sobrang passionate, I always do my best para manalo rin sa kanila. Para maganda kuwento nila paguwi ng kanilang bahay.”