IN one of his most impressive games as a San Miguel Beerman, Terrence Romeo is not about to take the credit individually.
The three-time PBA scoring champion praised backcourt partner Chris Ross for making possible his dazzling offensive show in the Beermen’s runaway 114-91 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters in Game 4 of the Philippine Cup semifinals Tuesday night.
Romeo exploded for 17 straight points for the four-time defending champion in a huge third quarter run which coach Leo Austria described as the ‘turning point’ of the highly-emotional game at the Astrodome.
The former UAAP MVP from Far Eastern University fired three straight baskets from three-point range during that stretch on the way to finishing with a team-high 20 points.
He was 6-of-10 from downtown overall.
But Romeo acknowledged he wouldn’t come out of his shell without Ross coming to his aid.
“Credit sa mga temamates ko kasi sila yung nagse-set-up sa akin especially si kuya Chris. Talagang hinahanap niya ako sa loob,” he said afterwards.
“Siya yung nagbibigay ng kumpiyansa sa akin.”
He was actually surprised when informed how he was in the zone during that third quarter breakaway.
“Hindi ko alam,” Terrence admitted. “Thank God dahil pumapasok lahat yung mga tira namin.”
Romeo’s explosion couldn’t have come at a better time for the Beermen, now leading the best-of-seven series, 3-1, as they continue to miss the scoring contribution of Marcio Lassiter.
The resident San Miguel gunner already played after missing Game 3 the last time, but was obviously still bothered by back spasm after suiting up for just five minutes and going scoreless on 0-of-3 shooting.
Romeo however, said he’s just playing the role given him by the San Miguel coaching staff.
“Andito kami para mabigyan sila (starters) ng magandang pahinga. para pagpasok nila fresh legs ulit sila,” he said.
But on this night, Romeo showed he can be his own man.
“He’s the main man tonight,” stressed coach Leo Austria. “He exploded and I was waiting for that at the right place, at the right time.”
* This article was originally published here
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