Tenorio lives up to 'Ironman' tag with almost 1 hour playing time in Ginebra’s 3OT win over Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines -- LA Tenorio is not the Philippine Basketball Associaton's "Ironman" for nothing.

The diminutive guard logged almost an hour worth of action for Barangay Ginebra in the the triple-overtime thriller on Friday night against Rain or Shine.

But it's just another day in the office, according to Tenorio.

"Kailangan naming mailusot 'to eh," he told the press. "Wala namang ibang choice. Obviously, kailangan talagang isagad just to get the win para magkaroon kami ng chance sa playoffs."

Two scenarios hovered over the Gin Kings prior the game: A loss to the Painters and a win by either GlobalPort and Phoenix in the earlier affair would pit the crowd darlings against TNT or Blackwater for a do-or-die for the last spot in the playoffs.

"Hindi pwedeng maging excuse [ang] pagod -- especially sa ganung ka-importanteng laro," Tenorio, who has played 543 straight PBA games said. "We dont wanna make an excuse na pagod."

Tenorio, who had 20 in the game, has never missed a single game in his pro career, earning the moniker that likens him to a western superhero. His total minutes on the floor in that cardiac affair against Rain or Shine has again put him among the PBA's legends. 

The 12-year veteran became the fourth cager in the league history to log the most minutes (56.52). He is behind list-leading Kerby Raymundo (61), Jun Limpot (60), and fellow Ginebra superstar and now hoops icon Robert Jaworksi (58).

Tenorio is not complaining, too. After all, he said he is blessed to have such mileage under his belt and to even play the game professionally in the first place.

"I'm sure a lot of players, a lot of aspirants want to be in my shoes right now," he offered. "The team trusted me especially (Coach Tim Cone). I don't want to take it for granted right now.