Tiu escapes jeers after Pacquiao field goal

Mahindra playing-coach Manny Pacquiao finally makes his first field goal in the PBA. PBA IMAGES

Chris Tiu expected jeers after Manny Pacquiao scored his first career field goal at his expense on Sunday.

Fortunately for him, his teammates were more forgiving.

“Wala nga eh. Akala ko kakantyawan ako,” he said.

READ: Pacquiao ‘posterizes’ Rain or Shine with 1st career field goal

More than the shot, Tiu was happy that the game between Rain or Shine and Mahindra made a lot of fans happy.

“Nakakatuwa lang kasi tuwing mahawakan nya yung bola, kahit hindi pa nga sya humahawak ng bola, tumitili na talaga yung buong Araneta. At least alam natin nage-enjoy yung fans,” he said as the Elasto Painters came away with the 108-94 victory.

While some may think Pacquiao’s shot looked like a novelty, Tiu was quick to defend that, saying, “Legitimate yun, legitimate field goal sa PBA para kay congressman Manny.”

Also, Tiu was just happy to share the court with Pacquiao, noting that it was “a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be on the same floor in an official professional game and guarding Manny Pacquiao.”

“I’m so glad to have had a chance to play with him. We’re able to play against each other in an official game, hindi yung laro-laro lang. Nagkataon sa akin pa naka-shoot si Manny, pero para sa akin, laro lang.”