‘Motivated’ Terrence Romeo on cusp of first PBA title

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Terrence Romeo isn’t looking for personal glory when San Miguel takes on Magnolia in Game 7 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Now a father of an 11-month-old baby, Romeo said he’s playing not just for himself rather for his family and the rest of the Beermen.

“I’m greatly motivated because this championship is for my family,” said Romeo in Filipino after the Beermen’s 98-86 Game 6 win Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“This is San Miguel’s fight and I have strong teammates with me,” added Romeo after San Miguel tied the series at 3-3.

Romeo, a two-time scoring champion, was still his usual offensive-minded self but he also made it a point to try and slow down Magnolia point guards Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca.

Jalalon was still a major factor of Magnolia’s offense with 17 points, on 8-of-15 shooting, with eight assists but Barroca was slowed down to a poor shooting night with six points on 3-of-10 shooting from the field.

Barroca was aggressive for the Hotshots in an 88-86 victory in Game 5 finishing with 22 points, including the game-winning jumper at the buzzer.

“My mindset earlier was just to play defense and try to stop kuya Mark and Jio because there are people who will score for us,” said Romeo. “Kuya Mark and Jio are huge factors for Magnoilia, and of course Paul Lee.”

Romeo shot poorly from the field, converting just three of his 14 shots, but his offensive struggles did not bother him that much knowing that he was able to get his teammates involved with six assists.