MANILA, Philippines — Terrence Romeo has spent much of last season recovering from an assortment of injuries, which has forced him to ride the bench most of the time.
However, the 32-year-old guard out of Far Eastern University proved he can still dominate the game when healthy—and when given the playing time as well.
On Friday, Romeo did just that.
With Ginebra mounting a massive second half rally, Romeo rose to the occasion after making shot after shot, dropping 13 points and making all three of his triples in the fourth period.
And while the Gin Kings forced the overtime, the three-time PBA Scoring champion nailed nine more points from there, en route to sealing the Beermen’s 131-125 triumph in Game 2 and leveling their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinal series at 1-1.
“I’m just ready for every game. And I thank God I was able to make my shots,” Romeo told sportswriters in Filipino after Game 2.
The three-time PBA champion however, refused to get the credit, noting that their good ball movement was a major reason for the Game 2 victory.
“We had good ball movement, and our defense was also good because it is easier for us to execute every time we make a stop,” he added.
Asked how he has psyched himself up in the series, knowing he had to contend for playing time in a talent-heavy SMB roster, Romeo said he just had to be ready when his name is called.
“I just stayed ready in those moments. I already have many experiences in those moments and I know what it feels to be in the playoffs, semis. I continue to work hard,” said the fifth overall pick of GlobalPort (now NorthPort) in the 2013 PBA Draft. “And that is why my confidence has not really diminished in those moments.”
SMB coach Jorge Gallent said what he liked about Romeo is his readiness to compete.
“He showed you guys now that if his name is called, he will deliver,” said Gallent on the sweet-shooting Romeo.
“I hope he continues to play like that because we have a great chance of pulling out victories.”
Game 3 of the semifinal series continues on Sunday with action moving to Damarinas City in Cavite.
