Juami Tiongson felt for Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel whom he said became the target of hate comments due to the Dyip's repeated failure to return to post-elims play in the PBA after first making it in 2016.
With under two minutes left to play and the last quarterfinals berth in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on the line, Terrafirma ace Juami Tiongson did what he does best.
Tiongson isolated NorthPort guard Fran Yu in the left elbow, made a couple of dribbles, then scored an off-the-glass shot while drawing a foul.
Tiongson did some celebration in the face of Batang Pier rookie Cade Flores after that, before canning the bonus free throw that gave the Dyip a 101-96 cushion with 1:33 to go.
Terrafirma went on to beat NorthPort, 104-96, to clinch the franchise’s first playoff appearance since the 2016 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, May 8.
In an interview with reporters after the game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Tiongson could not help but be proud of what his team achieved.
The former Ateneo standout was even prouder of coach Johnedel Cardel, who led the franchise to the post-elims play for the first time since taking the reins in 2018.
After the Dyip failed to make the playoffs one season after another, Cardel has borne the brunt. Tiongson wanted that to change.
“Sobrang happy ako para sa sarili ko at saka sa team, lalong-lalo na kay Coach John. Alam naman natin 'yung mga hatred comments na nakukuha niya palagi, na hindi naman niya kasalanan,” said Tiongson, who fired 30 points in the do-or-die match.
“Para sa kanya talaga 'to. Personally, gusto kong manalo para kay Coach John.”
Terrafirma hotshot Juami Tiongson and coach Johnedel Cardel react during a match in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup. | File photo (c) PBA
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But it remains to be an uphill battle for Terrafirma.
The eighth-seeded Dyip will take on No. 1 San Miguel, which is armed with a twice-to-beat incentive, in a quarterfinal showdown on Saturday, May 11.
The Beermen were unstoppable for 10 straight games and were eyeing a rare elimination round sweep before getting checked by Meralco, 92-95, last Saturday, May 4.
The match kicks off at 3 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
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“Yun nga ang sabi ko sa kanila, eh: Let's not be overconfident. The fact that we made the playoffs doesn't mean the job is done,” said Tiongson.
“There's still a lot of games to be played. Malay natin, bilog naman 'yung bola, eh.”
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