It didn’t take long for Juami Tiongson to reset his career-high.
Two days after scoring 29 points versus San Miguel, the heady guard erupted for 31 to power Terrafirma to another stunning victory at the expense of Ginebra for their second straight win in the 2021 Honda PBA Philippine Cup.
His output was aided by nine three-pointers, also a career-high, and the new franchise record according to league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III. He also had six assists, three rebounds, and three steals in over 36 minutes.
“I guess through God’s grace, just having faith and trusting the work I put in the last months leading up to the opening of the season,” said the 30-year-old regarding his performance moments after their 95-90 win at the DHVSU Gym.
As impressive as he was, though, Tiongson did not hug the spotlight onto himself. He also deflected the credit to his teammates for pushing him all game long, leading to yet another scintillating outing.
“Of course, yung teammates ko, they kept pushing me all throughout the game. They were looking for me,” said the seven-year pro, who arrived in Terrafirma via trade back in 2017.
“It wouldn’t be possible talaga if it weren’t for them.”
Well, his teammates definitely helped him preserve his efforts, especially in the endgame. As the Barangay fought back from 17 down, the trio of Rashawn McCarthy, Eric Camson, and Andreas Cahilig came through.
Moments after Ginebra knocked to within three behind LA Tenorio’s back-to-back triples, McCarthy hit a big trey off a Tiongson cross-court dime to widen the lead, 91-85, with just 50.2 seconds remaining.
Japeth Aguilar trimmed the gap again. But Cahilig came up with a huge play to take the ball away from their foes moments later and then dished it to Camson for a lay-up with 17.3 seconds left to re-establish their lead to six.
Tiongson, though, was still the one who iced the game with his freebies with 2.3 ticks left but there was no question how big his teammates’ help was.
“It means everything,” he said. “Kasi it wouldn’t be possible if everyone didn’t sacrifice into their roles.
“I think Rashawn hit a big shot. Drei and Matt [Ganuelas-Rosser] made winning plays at the end. Eric for the cushion.”
Of course, Tiongson also tipped his hat to coach Johnedel Cardel
“It wouldn’t be possible without coach John,” said Tiongson, who’s now averaging 18.8 points, 5.2 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals.
“Pinapabayaan niya lang ako eh. He lets me make mistakes, he lets me get creative.”
