Photo Courtesy: PBA
LA Tenorio with Ginebra coaching staff.
Tenorio inspires Ginebra as TNT misses Castro in the PBA Finals
Barangay Ginebra secured a 73-66 victory over TNT in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday night, March 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Scottie Thompson was named Best Player of the Game after delivering an all-around performance with 16 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block. His relentless hustle on both ends of the floor—something that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheets—was key to Ginebra’s success.
Justin Brownlee was also impressive. Despite dealing with a dislocated thumb and scoring only two points in the first half, the Gin Kings' import still managed to finish with 18 markers, 14 boards, five dimes, and one deflection.
Japeth Aguilar and Maverick Ahanmisi chipped in 11 points apiece to support Thompson and Brownlee, while Stephen Holt played a tremendous defensive role against Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Although Hollis-Jefferson managed to score 19 points, he struggled with efficiency, shooting just 7-of-26 from the field.
“I felt we weren’t executing as well as we could. That’s one thing LA is really, really smart with—his execution. He knows how to get the team in their spots,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone regarding Tenorio’s rare playing minutes.
However, what truly set Ginebra apart last night was the presence of veteran LA Tenorio, who played only six minutes but made a significant impact.
Inserted late in the third quarter, Tenorio’s appearance electrified the more than 12,000 fans in attendance.
The pride of Nasugbu, Batangas, attempted just one shot, which he missed, but grabbed one rebound and dished out one assist—enough to inspire his team to rally back from a 10-point halftime deficit.
Alongside Tenorio, Ginebra closed the third quarter with a one-point lead heading into the pivotal final period.
“I felt we weren’t executing as well as we could. That’s one thing LA is really, really smart with—his execution. He knows how to get the team in their spots,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone regarding Tenorio’s rare playing minutes.
“I just turned to him and asked, ‘Are you ready to go?’ And he said, ‘Yeah.’ I also felt Scottie needed a break. LA is always ready. He works so hard in practice every day, even though he may not always play,” Cone added.
At the start of the fourth quarter, “The GINeral” remained on the floor to help steady the Gin Kings' offense before being subbed out for Thompson, who took over in the final minutes alongside Brownlee.
“Hard to say, but that’s the reality, ‘di ba? Ito na ang given role sa team namin. As I always tell the coaching staff, especially coach Tim, I’m always ready,” an emotional Tenorio said after the game.
TNT Struggles Without Castro
On the other side, Rey Nambatac was the only local TNT player to score in double digits, finishing with 19 points, two rebounds, and two assists.
There was even a tense moment on the TNT bench during a timeout when Coach Chot Reyes was seen confronting big man Poy Erram.
Reyes later addressed the incident, saying, “I just got fed up with all the antics. I let him have a piece of my mind. I told him that if I can’t talk some sense into him, why doesn’t he be the one to coach?”
In situations like these, TNT clearly missed the calming presence of Jayson Castro—the veteran leader who could have helped manage both on-court and off-court struggles.
The pride of Bacolor, Pampanga, was the key figure behind TNT’s championship run in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup, where he was named Finals MVP against the same Ginebra squad they are facing now.
Both teams have retained their core players, including their imports, yet TNT has struggled to fill the void left by Castro, who suffered a season-ending injury during their semi-finals clash against Rain or Shine.
While TNT still has veteran players on the bench, the two-time Best Point Guard in Asia remains irreplaceable. Though he is out of the series, instead of dwelling on his absence, the Tropang Giga should draw inspiration from him—just as Ginebra did with Tenorio.
With Game 6 set to take place at the same venue, Ginebra has a chance to close out the series and finally claim a championship in their finals trilogy against TNT.
Meanwhile, the Tropang Giga will fight to extend the series and bring out the two best words in sports—Game Seven!
The Scores:
GINEBRA 73 – Brownlee 18, Thompson 16, J. Aguilar 11, Ahanmisi 11, Rosario 6, Malonzo 6, Holt 3, Abarrientos 2, Tenorio 0.
TNT 66 – Hollis-Jefferson 19, Nambatac 19, Oftana 8, Pogoy 8, Aurin 8, Erram 4, Heruela 0, Williams 0, Exciminiano 0, Khobuntin 0.
Quarter Scores: 17-24, 35-45, 57-56, 73-66.
News
Filipina Muay Thai standout Islay Erika Bomogao is set to make her fourth appearance under ONE Championship as she faces Thailand’s Ploychompoo in ONE Friday Fights 134 this Friday night, November 21, at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.
The bout is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. (PHT).
Bomogao, known for her relentless pace and sharp striking, aims to deliver another strong performance as she continues to raise the Philippine flag in the global Muay Thai circuit. Her matchup against a hometown favorite is expected to be one of the event’s most compelling contests.
Filipino fight fans can anticipate a high-energy encounter as Bomogao tests her skills in the heartland of Muay Thai, aiming to further cement her growing presence on the international stage.
Karl Jahrel Eldrew Yulo has qualified for four final events after a standout performance in the men’s artistic gymnastics team and qualification round of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championship on Thursday night at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
The 17-year-old Yulo advanced to three apparatus finals and made the cut for the men’s individual all-around final.
Yulo finished sixth overall in the horizontal bar, scoring 13.700 points. He followed up with an impressive 14.233 points in the floor exercise, placing second overall. The 2024 Junior Asian MAG Vault Champion also qualified for the vault finals after finishing fifth with 14.200 points in the qualifications.
Eldrew likewise advanced to the men’s individual all-around final, tallying a total score of 78.332 for 15th place overall, with the top 24 gymnasts qualifying.
The men’s individual all-around finals are set for Saturday, Nov. 22, while the men’s apparatus finals are slated for Nov. 23 and 24.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio underscored the importance of sports development in the country, stressing that sports should be viewed as a long-term investment—not a waste of funds.
In a media interview by Scoreline.ph, Gregorio highlighted the PSC’s ongoing push to improve sports facilities nationwide, starting with the renovation of the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts, which is expected to begin in the coming days.
“Sports is an investment,” said Gregorio. “It’s never a waste of money. When a child succeeds because of sports, when a community unites because of sports, that is something invaluable.”
Preparations for WTA Event in Manila
The PSC is gearing up to host a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament in January 2026, marking a major milestone for Philippine tennis. Gregorio said bleacher expansion is underway to increase spectator capacity.
“We hope to accommodate at least 2,000 people in January,” he shared. “If we want to bid for bigger WTA events in the future, we may need to move to a larger venue like New Clark City. The BCDA has given us ample land there for future sports development.”
Alex Eala Expected to Join
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is set to headline the event, barring any scheduling conflict with the Australian Open.
“The only chance she won’t be able to play is if there’s a conflict with the Australian Open semifinals or finals,” Gregorio said. “But if she succeeds in Australia, we’ll all be very happy. And if she becomes available after the early rounds, then she will join us.”
Gregorio emphasized that hosting a WTA event is not only a showcase of world-class tennis but also an opportunity to highlight Filipino talent.
“One day, we hope to see more Alex Ealas. I’m sure she also wants to be the reason tennis will grow bigger in the Philippines. And that is very exciting.”
WTA in PH for the Next Three Years
The PSC aims to host a WTA tournament annually for the next three years, making international tennis a recurring highlight in the Philippine sports calendar.
“We’re committed,” Gregorio said. “This is just the beginning.”
Undefeated professional boxers Eumir Marcial and Weljon Mindoro, together with Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, will spearhead the Philippines’ 13-man boxing delegation for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next month.
The lineup was formally announced by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) during a press conference in Pasig City on Wednesday.
ABAP Secretary General Marcus Manalo shared: “We have a total of 13 boxers — seven men and six women — which is the maximum number we can field for the SEA Games, so we are sending a full lineup.”
Marcial and Mindoro: Powering the Men's Team
Four-time SEA Games champion Eumir Marcial returns to his Olympic weight class at 80kg, while pro standout Weljon Mindoro will compete in the 75kg division. Marcial brings in a spotless 7-0 pro record, while Mindoro holds a 15-0-1 slate.
Marcial acknowledged the expectations on him: “Kapag bayan ang nangangailangan ng laban, lalo na sa SEA Games, priority ko talaga yan… Medyo pressure kasi fans expect gold, but amateur boxing requires a different preparation.”
Mindoro, making his SEA Games debut, expressed gratitude: “Nagpapasalamat ako sa opportunity… Isa akong napili. Mag-aadjust ako sa amateur techniques para dito.”
POC President Abraham Tolentino is confident both pros can deliver podium finishes: “Definitely, God willing, it will be a podium for the two. Pipilitin natin na ginto yan.”
Notable Absence: Carlo Paalam
Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam will not compete after withdrawing from a box-off due to illness and insufficient preparation. Manalo explained: “He caught a bad flu and couldn’t train for weeks… He respected the selection process and timeline, and begged off.”
Women’s Division Led by Olympians
Petecio (60kg) and Villegas (50kg) team up with Olympian Hergie Bacyadan (70kg). Completing the roster are Ofelia Magno (48kg), Claudine Veloso (54kg), and Riza Pasuit (57kg).
Limited Weight Classes Due to Host Restrictions
The Philippines can only participate in 13 of 17 weight classes due to host restrictions. “We’re limited to seven of nine weight classes in men’s boxing and six of eight in women’s,” Manalo noted.
He added that the inclusion of pro fighters reflects ABAP’s evolving approach: “It’s a good opportunity to show that pro boxers can also be part of the national team… Our objective is always to send the best lineup possible.”
Poised for a Strong Showing
Most of the team is already in Thailand for training camp and will stay there until the Games. The Philippines aims to surpass its 2023 SEA Games medal tally of 4 golds, 5 silvers, and 1 bronze.
Eldrew Yulo — younger brother of double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo — takes center stage as the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships officially open Thursday at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom inside Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.
Fresh from months of intensive training in Japan under esteemed coach Munehiro Kugimiya, Eldrew banners the host nation’s campaign alongside women’s division representative Elizabeth Antone.
“He’s been working so hard to win medals,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion during the tournament’s opening press conference.
Yulo begins his campaign at 6 p.m. in the men’s artistic gymnastics (MAG) qualifications and team rankings, marking the start of the five-day competition running from November 20–24. The women’s qualifications follow on Friday, while the MAG and WAG all-around finals take place on Saturday. Apparatus finals for both divisions are scheduled for Sunday and Monday.
A silver medalist in vault at the Asian Junior Championships last July in Jecheon, South Korea, Yulo is seen as the country’s strongest medal hopeful. Carrion expressed optimism that the teen standout could contend for gold in the floor exercise, parallel bars, rings, and vault.
“He assured me he can do it. I feel he can give us one medal, or maybe even two,” Carrion said. “I’m happy with two medals.”
As the Junior Gymfest gets underway, Carrion appealed to Filipino fans to rally behind the athletes—especially in a sport that has delivered the Philippines its historic second and third Olympic gold medals.
“Cheer for our athletes, cheer for everybody, and let’s show the world that gymnastics is a very important sport,” she said.
A total of 75 nations are competing for junior gymnastics glory, making this the largest and most prestigious edition of the event ever held—right here on Philippine soil.
