Familiarity key in Magnolia win over Ginebra

Magnolia coach LA Tenorio reacts during a game against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Containing Barangay Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos was a big part of Magnolia’s defensive game plan on Sunday night.

And while limiting the production of a crafty and explosive scorer is a difficult task for other teams, the Hotshots made it look easy thanks to their head coach’s familiarity with Abarrientos.

“If there was anyone who knew RJ best on that court earlier, it was me,” said LA Tenorio, who was a former teammate of Abarrientos at Ginebra before being appointed as Magnolia mentor.

READ: PBA: Magnolia routs Barangay Ginebra after ‘frustrating loss’

Barangay Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos shoots during a game against Magnolia.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“RJ is a superstar, we can’t just play him straight or normal. We treated him like an import. I have so much respect for RJ. I know him. That was our plan.”

Tenorio played 13 seasons with the Gin Kings, helping the club win seven championships. His final season with Ginebra was also Abarrientos’ first, and the battle-tested veteran made sure to take the promising rookie under his wing during that time.

Sticking to their defensive strategy from the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Hotshots not only held Abarrientos to six points on 2-of-9 shooting from the field, they also made it tough for Gin Kings import Riley Grigsby.

Grigsby also struggled with 15 points on 5-of-19 shooting from the field in close to 46 minutes of action.

“I have to go back to the whole team. We were very disciplined with our game plan,” lauded Tenorio.