Terrafirma guard Juami Tiongson.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—There was something quite funny about Juami Tiongson’s game-winning shot to lift Terrafirma past Blackwater in the PBA Philippine Cup at Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.
Tiongson sank a clutch triple in front of Bossing guard RK Ilagan with 12 seconds left for a 92-91 win for the Dyip.
Tiongson, however, had no idea his shot put Terrafirma ahead thinking he had only tied the game.
“Coach, I thought that was for overtime! That’s why I relaxed on defense, I thought we were down three,” said an exhausted Juami Tiongson in the press area before the post-game conference.
“Well, it went in anyway. Good shot,” said coach Johnedel Cardel with a laugh.
Prior to Tiongson’s heroics, Blackwater guard Rey Nambatac only managed to split his free throws to give Blackwater a 91-89 edge.
“I really thought we were down by three. That’s why I went for the three-point shot and when I made it, I celebrated a little bit then my teammates ran toward me,” explained Tiongson, who finished with 20 points, six rebounds and three assists.
“I was thinking, ‘we still have overtime, right? Why are we celebrating?’ Then I was shocked that we already won. I really didn’t know.”
On a more serious note, Tiongson credited his clutch shot to his late grandmother, who passed away last year.
“I knew she was there for me. I was praying to her because in the first half, I was struggling, I couldn’t make any shots, my decision-making was so bad so I prayed to her and she made it happen for me.”
In May of last year, Tiongson posted a heartfelt message for his departed grandmother on Instagram.
“How lucky I am to have called you my Lola. Keep praying for me; I’ll miss you everyday,” wrote Tiongson.