ANTIPOLO – Juami Tiongson nearly carried Terrafirma to an upset win against San Miguel in his first game against his old ballclub since he was traded back to the Dyip before the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup.
Tiongson had 27 points including a three-point shot that got Terrafirma up, 104-101, after storming back from a 22-point deficit early in the third quarter.
Terrafirma looked headed for the victory after that Tiongson’s crucial shot. But ironically, it was Tiongson who committed a blunder that got San Miguel back in the game as his pass was intercepted by George King for a wide-open lay-up for a 105-104 lead with 39.1 seconds left.
The Beermen eventually won, 109-104, spoiling Tiongson’s big shots down the stretch.
READ: SMB survives late Dyip fight back to go 2-0 in PBA Governors Cup
Prior to the conference, Tiongson, along with Chris Miller, were traded back from San Miguel to Terrafirma for Jerrick Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez.
Tiongson took the blame for losing Terrafirma the lead down the stretch.
“Siyempre, very disappointed. Ako ‘yung nag-turnover twice,” said Tiongson, who also committed another error shortly after his go-ahead three that enabled George King to score on two free throws.
“‘Yung turnover ko pa, leading to an easy lay-up. Siyempre, I hold myself accountable. Akin ‘yun... ang sakit eh,” he added.
Before and after the game, Tiongson had brief conversations with the San Miguel players and even the coaching staff. He said he remains close with his ex-teammates after the trade.
“There’s no hard feelings naman eh kasi when they traded me, they were very professional. Parang lahat ng sinasabi, ‘revenge game,’ bakit revenge game eh they never did anything personal to me anyway," he said.
“I always have a good relationship with them especially the players. Up until now, si Mo (Tautuaa), nagse-send pa rin ng memes eh. ‘Yung bond ko with them, hindi na mawawala ‘yun whatever team I play in,” he added.
Tiongson said he remained motivated to play his best against his ex-team.
“I guess given na ‘yun when you get traded. Nung tinrade rin naman ako ng NLEX going to Terrafirma, coming into that game, siyempre focused ako, something to prove, but nothing personal. Just wanting to win, just wanting to prove myself again,” Tiongson said.
The loss was Terrafirma’s third straight game in which the Dyip mounted a big comeback but couldn’t finish the bid.
“I guess ‘yun ang puwede lang namin hilingin sa team namin kasi iilan lang kaming beterano sa team - ako, Mav, Aljon, and the rest are young guys. Ang gusto lang namin, lumaban kami until the very end and give ourselves a chance to win. Siyempre, disappointing because it would have been 4-0 or 3-1 either way and give ourselves (a chance) to make it to the playoffs,” he said.
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