Andrea Tongco received a timely confidence boost after knocking down the game-winning three-pointer that sent defending champion Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire to the 2026 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Finals.
Averaging just 3.7 points per game as the team’s starting point guard, Tongco had struggled to find her offensive rhythm throughout the season.
But in the biggest moment of Game 2, she delivered the go-ahead triple with just nine seconds remaining, lifting the Valkyries to a dramatic 59-58 victory over Biñan-Tatak Gel to clinch their semifinal series and secure a return trip to the Finals.
“During that time, wala, tinira ko lang talaga. Free naman, kaya pagtira ko, sinabi ko talaga sa isip ko na, ‘Bahala na si Lord,” said Tongco.
“Siguro ‘yung laging sinasabi ni coach, parang sinabi niya na do-or-die game ‘to. Wala nang bukas, wala nang Game 3. Siguro motivated kami, halos lahat naman. Kaya proud ako sa team ko,” she added.
(C) WMPBL
Aside from hitting the biggest shot of the series, the former Gilas Pilipinas guard produced her best performance of the tournament with 14 points — a timely breakthrough that she believes will give her the confidence she needs heading into their Finals rematch against Akari-Rizal.
“Siguro, super kailangan ko (yung confidence) kasi as a point guard, kami ‘yung parang general sa loob ng court.”
Tongco’s breakout performance came as no surprise to head coach Cholo Villanueva, who said the veteran guard’s heroics were the result of the hard work she has consistently put in behind the scenes despite her offensive struggles.
“For us, the girls didn’t want to give up. It was all their effort, their hard work, especially Andrea Tongco hitting that game-winning shot in the corner. All the countless hours and reps that she put in prepared her for that moment,” said Villanueva.
“We’re very happy that we’re back in the Finals, but there’s still more work ahead of us.”
