The Sol Train wasn't having it.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters continued their fine play in the PBA On Tour on Wednesday, when they picked up a hard-earned 100-98 victory over the San Miguel Beermen.
But to outlast the Beermen in a nip-and-tuck endgame, the Elasto Painters needed one final stop. And, as he has done time and again in his career, Gabe Norwood delivered just that, deflecting a potential game-tying lay-up by a suddenly revitalized Terrence Romeo, who had already torched Rain or Shine for 25 points to that point.
It was a big-time play from a big-time player. But it appears Sol Mercado, himself an elite defender in his playing days in the PBA, is unimpressed by Norwood’s game-sealing block.
And Mercado made sure to let Norwood know what he thought of the play.
In an Instagram Story reshared by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel forward Jared Dillinger, the Daredevil, the Sol Train, Mr. President, and sports anchor Jutt Sulit are seen talking about the block, with Norwood chiming in, “I blocked Terrence Romeo.”
“I thought I jumped higher,” he added.
Mercado wasn’t buying it.
“Oh my God,” Mercado retorted. “First off, he threw it right to your hands.”
Of course, the Sol Train’s trolling was obviously all in good fun, as Mercado, Norwood, and Dillinger are very good friends, having shared a brotherhood bonded over basketball for quite some time now.
Then again, all friendships need some good-natured ribbing, and it appears Mercado got one over Norwood this time.
Though, we have to admit, that defensive stop was pretty impressive for a 38-year-old.