He had 17 points in their win over Blackwater.
Juami Tiongson was no doubt the designated driver for the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, as he put up 25 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in their 97-87 victory against the Blackwater Bossing.
But for coach Johnedel Cardel, the keys to victory should not only be with the star players.
"Mahirap manalo na isa, dalawa, tatlong player (lang)," he told reporters after the game. "Dapat 15, 16 players. Kailangan lagi silang positive 'pag pinasok."
One of those players who netted a positive was Javi Gomez de Liaño, who scored 17 points, to go along with five rebounds and a steal in 32 minutes of action. It was a vast improvement from his single-digit average last year.
Cardel explained how Gomez de Liaño found his stride during the preseason games.
"Nakuha niya kumpiyansa niya, nakuha rin niya support ng teammates niya, nakuha rin niya kumpiyansa ko," the coach said.
But he still has to learn to follow instructions.
"May gigil pa rin. It happens," Cardel noted.
Cardel, a former PBA player, also sang praises for rookie Kemark Cariño, who nearly got a double-double of 10 points and nine rebounds, plus three blocks.
"He's doing good offense and defense, malaking bagay 'yun," Cardel said.
Terrafirma is still looking to break through to the semifinals for the first time in franchise history.
"We have a better team right now," Cardel declared, "We can compete sa malalakas na team. It's a matter of unity."
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That declaration will be tested when Terrafirma takes on the NLEX Road Warriors this Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
(PM)