The Terrafirma Dyip in a huddle during a PBA Philippine Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Terrafirma had to withstand a rigorous effort from Northport in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday.
But after all that hard work, what awaits Dyip in the quarterfinals is none other than the reigning all-Filipino king San Miguel, which is sitting at the top seed with a twice-to-beat advantage.
While some teams may look at the situation with a frown, Javi Gomez de Liaño is embracing the gargantuan challenge in front of Terrafirma.
READ: PBA: Terrafirma books first quarterfinals berth since 2016
He’s aware of the Beermen’s mettle, but he made it clear: there’s no fear in the underdog’s camp.
“I think it’s going to be a good series. We only lost narrowly in our previous game and we just collapsed in the end so we need to watch the film again and review what we could do better in terms of playing San Miguel,” said Gomez de Liaño after their 104-96 win over Batang Pier at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“We’re not intimidated. We just have to do our part and play our best.”
The University of the Philippines product certainly hasn’t forgotten Terrafirma’s bout with the league’s juggernaut last month.
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Back in April during the elimination round, the Beermen squeaked past Dyip, 113-110, in a game where Terrafirma looked like contenders before Mo Tautuaa’s 24-point outburst.
But that was then. Now, Terrafirma has to double down on its efforts get chance of advancing to the semis, especially with San Miguel holding a win-once edge.
Sure, the odds are not in favor of the eighth seed, but coach Johnedel Cardel is living off a basketball mantra that’s as old as time.
“Bilog naman ang bole, e. ‘Di ba (The ball’s round, isn’t it)?” Cardel said.
“Of course, it’ll be hard. They’re all superstars. They have (June Mar) Fajardo, wingmen and shooters. All 15 of them can contribute but for us, we’ll just view our game against them where we lost by only three points.”
“All I know is, my players really want to play in these quarterfinals, even if we passed through a hard path already… We’ll do all we can to get one. Who knows? As long as it’s God’s will, wherever we’ll be, we’ll be there,” he added.
Dyip will only have three days to recuperate before going on their David vs. Goliath-esque match with San Miguel on Saturday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Pasay.