Walking into the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight felt like stepping into a pressure cooker—except for one man, LA Tenorio, who seemed to be treating the PBA’s opening game like it was just another day at the office. I’ve covered basketball for over a decade, and I’ve rarely seen a veteran player exude such calm before a high-stakes match. Tenorio’s pre-game demeanor, almost unnervingly relaxed, set the tone for what turned out to be a thrilling contest between Barangay Ginebra and the TNT Tropang Giga. As a longtime follower of the league, I’ve always admired how players like Tenorio can mentally reset, no matter the stage. And tonight, that mindset clearly paid off.

The game started with explosive energy, as both teams traded baskets in a fast-paced first quarter. Ginebra, led by Tenorio’s steady hand, quickly established a rhythm, sinking 12 of their first 18 field goal attempts—a staggering 66.7% shooting clip that left TNT scrambling on defense. I remember thinking, "This is classic Ginebra basketball." Their ball movement was crisp, and Tenorio, despite downplaying the occasion, orchestrated plays with surgical precision. By halftime, Ginebra had built a 52–45 lead, thanks in part to Tenorio’s 9 assists and 2 steals. On the other side, TNT’s Roger Pogoy put up a valiant effort, dropping 18 points in the first half alone, but his heroics weren’t enough to close the gap. From my seat near the court, the atmosphere was electric, with fans roaring after every possession. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love covering live sports—the raw emotion, the unpredictability, the sheer spectacle.

As the second half unfolded, TNT made adjustments, tightening their perimeter defense and forcing Ginebra into tougher shots. The Tropang Giga went on a 10–2 run early in the third quarter, briefly taking the lead. I’ll admit, I thought Ginebra might crumble under the pressure. But Tenorio, true to his pre-game calm, responded with back-to-back three-pointers that swung momentum back in his team’s favor. His performance tonight—finishing with 24 points, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds—was a masterclass in leadership. Statistics aside, what stood out to me was his decision-making in clutch moments. He didn’t force shots; instead, he found open teammates, like Scottie Thompson, who chipped in with 16 points and 8 boards. TNT, to their credit, never backed down. Pogoy ended the night with 28 points, and import Jalen Hudson added 22, but their efforts fell just short in the final minutes.

The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with the score tied at 98–98 with under two minutes left. Ginebra’s defense, which had been inconsistent earlier, locked down when it mattered most. A critical steal by Tenorio led to a fast-break layup by Japeth Aguilar, putting Ginebra up by two. From there, they never looked back. Final score: Ginebra 105, TNT 101. Watching the players celebrate, I couldn’t help but reflect on Tenorio’s pre-game comments. Calling it "just an ordinary game" might sound like a cliché, but in his case, it revealed a deeper truth: for great athletes, mental preparation often trumps physical hype. As a analyst, I’ve always believed that mindset separates good players from legends, and tonight, Tenorio proved it once again.

In the end, this opening game delivered everything PBA fans could ask for—high-scoring action, standout individual performances, and a dramatic finish. Tenorio’s approach, blending humility with intensity, not only secured a win for Ginebra but also set a compelling narrative for the season ahead. Personally, I’m excited to see how this momentum carries forward. If tonight’s game is any indication, we’re in for another unforgettable PBA campaign. So, for those who missed the live action, catch the highlights online—you won’t regret it.