Since he steered the then-GlobalPort (now NorthPort) Batang Pier to the semifinals of the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup, Terrence Romeo has had a hard time returning to the same stage.
But as they say, tough times don’t last.
The three-time scoring champion has finally made his way back to the semifinals after helping his San Miguel Beermen obliterate the TNT KaTropa — his former team — 96-86 in Game Three of their 2019 Philippine Cup quarterfinal series, Wednesday evening.
“Masaya na naka-pasok na ulit ng semis,” said Romeo, who finished with 11 points.
Winning this series also means the flamboyant scorer reigned victorious over his former team. TNT had shipped him to SMB during the off-season after reports of a falling-out. But Romeo reiterated that it isn’t about him and TNT.
“Normal series lang naman yun eh.
“TNT is TNT. Alam naman natin na talagang competitive yung team na ‘yan. Buti nakapag-ready kami sa kanila. Buti na lang nakapag-adjust kami kaya maganda rin tinakbo namin,” shared Romeo, who was traded for David Semerad, Brian Heruela, and a 2021 first-round draft pick last December.
Now, Romeo and San Miguel’s sights are set on their best-of-seven semifinal clash with the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters. In their elimination round encounter last March 16, Phoenix dealt them a stinging 93-96 defeat in Panabo City.
“Parang TNT din sila, pressure defense din and takbuhan. Kailangan namin mag-ready,” the five-time All-Star said.
“Kailangan namin ng game plan para matulungan si June Mar [Fajardo], ganun din ginagawa ng Phoenix eh – ayaw nila palaruin.”
