AND the race is on.
LA Tenorio stepped up once again, adding to his total of three-point shots made and continuing an intriguing duel with Marcio Lassiteron the PBA’s all-time list.
Tenorio finished with seven points and was 1-of-1 from three-point range in an 89-84 Barangay Ginebra win over Meralco Sunday during Game 5 of the Philippine Cup semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena.
He has made at least one three point shot in the last three games of the series, bringing his total to 1,221.
While he remained at no. 4 overall, he’s just within striking distance of Lassiter at no. 3 with 1,224.
Lassiter dislodged Tenorio at no. 3 overall just last week.
LA, Marcio in friendly competition
Of course, this one is just a friendly competition between two of the best gunners in PBA history.
Initially, the 39-year-old Barangay Ginebra guard said he was thinking about the record, especially after Lassiter moved past him last May 19 when he went 3-of-6 from three-point range in a 106-89 San Miguel rout of Rain or Shine in Game 2 of their own semis series.
“Before naiisip ko, pero di ko na rin naiisip talaga. Ang hirap, e,” said Tenorio.
“Ganunan yata kami, ano,” added the veteran guard of the close race between him and Lassiter. “Pero sana. Pero hindi ko na rin gaano iniisip.”
Lassiter could have raised the ante further had he not go 0-of-3 from beyond the arc in San Miguel’s 107-100 closer against Rain or Shine last Friday.
Tenorio further closed in of regaining his spot after hitting a three-pointer just before the third quarter buzzer of Sunday’s game that cut what was a 15-point Meralco lead to just 69-67 heading to the fourth period.
He could even come close in – or surpassed Lassiter – with Game 6 coming up on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game 7, if necessary, will be played at the FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas on Friday.
Meanwhile, Lassiter won’t have the opportunity to add to his total until Game 1 of the all-Filipino finals.
“Kung darating, darating. If God will give it to me, why not,” said Tenorio.
Alapag, Caidic still on top
As the two try to slug each other out, the records of no. 1 overall Jimmy Alapag and second running Allan Caidic are also in danger of being surpassed.
Alapag holds the all-time record of 1,250 followed by Caidic with 1,242.
Both legendary shooters are already retired.
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