Tim Cone keeps focus on Ginebra’s struggles, not Magnolia’s LA Tenorio storyline

Coach Tim Cone couldn’t hide his emotions after Barangay Ginebra’s stumble in the PBA’s 50th season opener — and for good reason. The Gin Kings fell 80-73 to Magnolia, led by none other than former Ginebra guard turned head coach LA Tenorio.

“I’m happy for LA, sad for myself,” Cone admitted, reflecting on the game that not only handed Tenorio a dream start but also left Ginebra reeling.

The storyline was irresistible: mentor vs. protégé, old loyalties tested, and the weight of expectations hanging heavy in a grand new season.

Magnolia jumped out of the gate hot, rattling off the first 10 points behind Zavier Lucero and Javi Gomez de Liaño. From there, they never looked back. 

 A 15-point lead (63-48) early in the fourth quarter showed just how far Magnolia had pushed Ginebra to the brink. 

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AGAINST HIS FORMER TEAM

Magnolia Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio outplays Tim Cone and his former team Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to open the PBA Philippine Cup Manila Clasico on a winning note at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. | RM Chua/One Sports#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/3ZJ97Vnblh

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 5, 2025

Ginebra nearly roared back. Japeth Aguilar, Jeremiah Gray, and RJ Abarrientos sparked a mini-run that trimmed the margin to six: 65-59. 

But every surge was answered. Lucero dropped a key triple, Jerom Lastimosa followed with a layup, and Magnolia’s composure in crunch time sealed the win. 

Lucero led all scorers with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Lastimosa and Gomez de Liaño added 14 apiece. 

On Ginebra’s side, Stephen Holt posted 16 points, 17 boards, and four assists; Gray chipped in 13, and Rosario had 12. 

Much of the pregame buzz centered on the battle between Cone and his former floor general-turned-coach Tenorio. But Cone was quick to deflate the hype.

“You guys are making a big deal out of it,” he said. “We’re friends. It’s the same thing when I played against Chot Reyes or Jeff Cariaso … They’re all my ex-players, ex-coaches …”

Their bond is real. Tenorio spent 13 seasons as Ginebra’s star guard, securing seven titles and becoming one of the franchise’s beloved icons. 

That legacy reverberated in Araneta, where fans on both sides recognized the emotional weight of this meeting.

Still, Tenorio was eager to keep the focus where it belongs: on his new players.

“It was really hard. Emotionally, I have to battle and challenge my mind that it’s not about me and Coach Tim. It’s about the players of Magnolia and the players against Ginebra.” 

And for this night, his squad answered the call.

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