Tenorio plays hero's role in Aces' 90-86 triumph vs Texters

LA Tenorio exploded at the right place at the right time and Reynel Hugnatan pulled off a big defensive stop down the stretch as Alaska dramatically pulled off a 90-86 come-from-behind win over Talk `N Text in Game 3 of their PBA Fiesta Cup semifinals series Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum. Held down to just two points, Tenorio suddenly came to life in the final minute of the tight ball game and accounted for the Aces’ last seven points, including a booming three-pointer in the final 44.8 seconds to put his team in front, 86-84. Hugnatan, then, complemented Tenorio’s offensive brilliance by drawing a big offensive foul off Ranidel de Ocampo.

In the next play, Talk N Text was forced to give up a foul on Tenorio, who calmly sank both charities and gave the Aces enough cushion, 88-84, virtually sealing the win for his team, which grabbed a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 4 is set Wednesday at the Astrodome, with the Aces seeking to further bury the top-seeded Tropang Texters. “LA was calm as a cucumber out there," said Alaska coach Tim Cone moments after the nip-and-tuck affair game. “We didn’t get rattled. We just kept battling and battling and then hit some big shots down the stretch." Diamon Simpson paced the Aces with 31 points on 15-of-17 shooting from the foul line, while adding 20 rebounds in a performance Cone referred to as `monster.’ “It was tough, hard game. It wasn’t easy, but I’m happy we’re able to pull this one off," said Simpson, a strong contender for the Best Import Award. The Aces trailed by as many as 53-63 with 4:10 to go in the third period, but willed their way back behind Joe DeVance and Larry Fonacier, who played his best game of the series by finishing with 11 points. The Tropang Texters were still on top, 84-83, following a long three-pointer by Jimmy Alapag with 1:23 left, until Tenorio finally took charge for the Aces. Mac-Mac Cardona, who failed to suit up in the Tropang Texters’ 100-94 win in Game 2 on the day he got married with his long-time girlfriend, scored on tear-drop shot with 8.6 seconds to pull the team to within 88-86. But again, Tenorio was there to answer for the Aces, banging two more free throws for the game’s marginal score. Hugnatan, hero in Alaska’s win in the series opener, added 12 points. De Ocampo poured in 18 to lead the Tropang Texters, who also got 17 points and nine assists from Alapag. - RCJ, GMANews.TV