Big Chill routs Boracay Rum in Romeo’s return

Terrence Romeo drives past Lucas Tagarda and Ryan Monteclaro of Boracay Rum. PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGES / NUKI SABIO

MANILA, Philippines – Big Chill has put its embarrassing 63-69 loss to new team Hog’s Breath last week behind.

The Superchargers, who welcomed Terrence Romeo back from injury, rebounded with an 82-60 beatdown of Boracay Rum Monday in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“I’m just happy that we got this win kasi iyong pagkatalo namin sa Hog’s Breath really affected our morale,” said Big Chill Robert Sison. “Pagbalik ni Terrence is morale boosting for the team.”

Romeo announced his return early as he keyed in a 17-0 tear that turned a one-point lead to a 22-4 one-sided affair.

The Waves, who came in with a two-game winning streak, closed to within 16, 52-68, on a drive by Paolo Taha with still 6:44 left and it appeared Boracay has gotten the momentum to finally swing into its favor.

It proved to be short-lived though, with Janus Lozada, who had a game-high 18 points, uncorked one of his four triples to put the Superchargers back up by 19, 71-52.

Lozada, who went four-of-six from long range, sank his final trey at the two-minute warning to put the game away for good 79-56.

Romeo, who missed the latter part of the Aspirants Cup and Big Chill’s first two games this conference, due to a right hand injury – his shooting hand, added 16 points, eight rebounds and three steals.

“We were able to gain our confidence back. Skills wise the players are talented enough it just so happen that we have to fine tune their minds,” said Sison. “And of course another thing that I’m emphasizing is that we have to play team basketball.”

“They have to be team players, they have to play their roles yon ang napakaimportante. Sabi ko nga sa kanila na walang isang player na bubuhat sa team na ito, kailangan lahat kami magtulungan. And I think the players realized that.”

Roider Cabrera paced the Waves, who jacked up way too many quick threes, with 14 points but he went just four-of-14 from the field. Boracay Rum had 22 turnovers as compared to Big Chill’s 11.