Terrence Romeo is no stranger to big moments, and he proved it in San Miguel's Game 2 win over Ginebra in the PBA Governors' Cup semis on Friday, Oct. 11.
Terrence Romeo has not had a brilliant game for San Miguel in quite a while after being bothered by nagging injuries over the past few years.
It does not mean he is not ready to deliver when needed.
That was why when the Beermen needed him most, the former PBA scoring champion did what he did best on Friday, Oct. 11.
Romeo fired 26 points, 22 of which he poured in the fourth and extra period, to lift the Beermen past Ginebra, 131-125, in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“Ready lang ako every game. Thank God na-shoot ang mga tira ko,” said Romeo after the match.
[ALSO READ: PBA slaps John Amores with one conference suspension without pay over shooting incident]
The three-time champion is also no stranger to big moments.
His eight straight points in overtime allowed the Beermen to take a 120-117 lead with still 2:07 left to play before Marcio Lassiter, EJ Anosike and Jericho Cruz put the finishing touches to the win.
San Miguel actually had the chance to snatch the series-tying win earlier in after CJ Perez dropped a four-point bomb with just two ticks to go for a 110-108 lead in regulation.
But Romeo fouled Ahanmisi in the ensuing play, leading to the two free throws that resulted to the extra five minutes.
Fortunately, Romeo was able to atone for that blunder come overtime.
“Stay ready lang ako sa mga ganoong moments. Matagal naman na akong may experience diyan,” said Romeo.
“Alam ko ang pakiramdam ng playoffs, ng semis. Alam ko kung paano mag-perform diyan.”
[ALSO READ: Chot Reyes lauds Poy Erram, Henry Galinato in fulfilling defensive role vs. Aaron Fuller]
As brilliant as Romeo was, EJ Anosike had an equally impressive game after unleashing 35 points on top of nine rebounds and two assists.
Perez also contributed 28 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while June Mar Fajardo came through with 23 points, 21 rebounds, six assists and two blocks.
Justin Brownlee followed up his stellar showing in Game 1 with an all-around outing of 39 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and four blocks.
But it did not result to a win this time.
Japeth Aguilar added 29 points and eight rebounds, while Scottie Thompson turned in 16 points, 10 assists and six boards.
The Scores (OT):
SAN MIGUEL 131 – Anosike 35, Perez 28, Romeo 26, Fajardo 23, Lassiter 12, Cruz 5, Tautuaa 2, Ross 0, Rosales 0, Trollano 0, Enciso 0, Manuel 0.
GINEBRA 125 – Brownlee 39, J.Aguilar 29, Thompson 16, Ahanmisi 15, Holt 14, Abarrientos 4, Tenorio 3, Cu 2, Devance 2, Pinto 1, Pessumal 0, Adamos 0.
Quarterscores: 22-24, 51-47, 85-76, 110-110, 131-125