"Win one for Terrafirma, win one for Johnedel Cardel"
That's the mindset Juami Tiongson carried into the Dyip's do-or-die showdown against Northport Batang Pier for the last quarterfinal spot in the PBA Philippine Cup.
While Tiongson has tasted playoff action with NLEX before, this moment holds special significance as it marks Terrafirma's first quarterfinal appearance in eight seasons.
For head coach Johnedel Cardel, it's a maiden voyage into the playoffs since taking the helm of the franchise in 2018.
“Siyempre sobrang happy ko para sa sarili ko at para sa team lalong-lalo na para kay coach John, lalong-lalo na yung mga hatred comments na nakukuha niya parati na hindi naman niya kasalanan, so para sa kanya talaga ito,” said Tiongson following Terrafirma’s 104-96 win over Northport on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Ako personally gusto kong manalo para kay coach John.”
Tiongson showed how motivated he was by knocking in a game-high 30 points, half of which came in the second period. And he also had a crucial three-point play with 1:33 to go that kept a rallying Northport side at bay, 101-96.
Now, the eighth-seeded Dyip will face the mighty San Miguel Beermen in the opening round of the playoffs, needing to win twice to advance in their first semifinals.
Daunting task vs SMB
While the task may be daunting, Tiongson said the team will just have fun out there and try to enjoy their first quarterfinals since the 2016 Governors’ Cup.
“Usually kasi Boracay na kami nito. Most of the time this conference nasa Boracay na kami nagbabakasyon na kami,” he said. “Just to be able to have that chance and opportunity to play in a knockout game, na-excite ako kasi first knockout game ko ito (sa PBA).
“Just play to have fun. Yung team kasi namin when we’re having fun, we enjoy each other. Maganda yung takbo ng game.”
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