MANILA — LA Tenorio broke out of his shooting slump, banging in 22 points, 10 of them in the fourth quarter, to lead the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings to a morale-boosting 101-92 victory over the Alaska Aces in the PBA Philippine Cup Tuesday night at Mall of Asia Arena. The win snapped Ginebra's three-game losing streak as the Kings improved to a 6-4 win-loss record, holding on to solo fifth place in the standings and enhancing their bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. Alaska suffered only its second loss in 10 games, sliding to No. 2 behind solo leader San Miguel Beer (8-1). The Aces will now have to beat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (7-2) in their last elimination round game to assure themselves of an automatic berth in the semifinals. A loss will allow the Painters to snare the coveted spot. Averaging a career-low 6.4 points on just 27 percent field goal shooting this season, Tenorio finally showed flashes of old brilliance with a masterful performance on both ends of the court. His basket with 2:18 left gave Ginebra a 95-85 lead, warding off a spirited Alaska rally. The Ginebra starting point guard also drilled four three-pointers and scored his team's last five points in an 11-4 run. Japeth Aguilar added 20 points and eight rebounds while Mac Baracael finished with 19 points off the bench. Greg Slaughter once again posted a double-double of 12 points and 14 boards. Joseph Yeo chipped in with 12 points. The Kings were down by seven points, 64-55, halfway in the third quarter but came roaring back with 10 unanswered points. Barako Bull 92, NLEX 87 The resurgent Barako Bull Energy assured themselves of a playoff spot, beating the NLEX Road Warriors, 92-87. After losing their first five games, the Energy have won four of their last five matches to climb to solo ninth place in the standings. NLEX, on the other hand, suffered its seventh loss in 10 outings, to fall into solo 10th place, giving 11th placer Kia (1-8) an opening to enter the 10-team playoffs if it sweeps its last two games. Former collegiate star RR Garcia played the hero's role for Barako Bull, leading his team with 22 points. With three minutes left, the last of his three triples for the night gave the Energy their biggest lead, 80-73. Four other Barako Bull players scored in double digits with Chico Lanete and Willy Wilson scoring 13 points apiece, while Mick Pennisi and JC Intal added 12 and 10, respectively. Mac Cardona paced NLEX with 23 points while Asi Taulava recorded his seventh double-double for the season, finishing with 17 points and 15 boards. Games Wednesday: Meralco Bolts vs. Kia Sorento; Talk N Text Tropang Texters vs. Purefoods Star Hotshots.
