AFTER turning what was supposed to be a one-sided series into a highly contested one, Meralco is now setting its goal even higher, while TNT KaTropa is looking for redemption.
The best-of-five semifinal showdown between the Bolts and the Tropang Texters continue to heat up as they collide again to see who gets the crucial upperhand in the continuing playoffs of the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
With the series tied at 1-1, Game 3 will be very critical as both squads attempt to take the lead today at 5 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Prior to the start of the series, many thought that top seed TNT KaTropa, given its superior talent and its impeccable record this conference, was heavily favored and expected to dominate its sister team.
But Meralco had other plans after it leveled the series at 1-1 following a resounding 106-91 victory in Game 2 last Thursday night to make it anyone’s series.
“We were more prepared than the first game and we seem to be getting our rhythm with the adjustments that we’ve made,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.
The multi-titled mentor continued to give his thoughts on how the Bolts can fuel their rise and once again stun the Tropang Texters.
“We need to continue being aggressive on both ends and keep our discipline in order to repeat against TNT,” said Black.
Allen Durham was in fine form in his last game, leading all scorers with a game-high 31 points and 21 rebounds to lead Meralco, while getting ample support from his teammates.
Four more Bolts scored in twin digits to help the team avoid a 0-2 hole and instead, be in a good position with everything squared up at the moment.
Meanwhile, Terrence Romeo, who dazzles fans with his deadly shooting and mouth-dropping crossover, is now a certified superstar in the Philippine Basketball Association.
The good-looking guard has joined a long list of millionaires after signing a three-year deal with Globalport, dispelling loose talk that the explosive third year pro is unhappy with the team.
“Everything is now in order, we are happy with the deal that Terrence is sticking with us,” said Globalport team manager Bonnie Tan. “Terrence is a marquee player so we want him to stay with our team. Actually, his contract was sealed just after our campaign.”
The Gilas veteran is guaranteed a maximum monthly salary of P420,000.
Excluding perks like game win bonuses, Romeo, 24, will get P15.12 million in three years, enough to validate his status as the league’s newest superstar.
“The last time we talked, we’re just trying to finalize minor details of the contract, pero he (Romeo) already agreed in principle to a three-year, max deal,” said Tan.
Romeo’s three-year deal is a testament to the team’s belief that the 6’1” guard can lead the Mike Romero-owned Globalport to the Promised Land someday.
“We strongly believe that Terrence can lead us to the championship someday,” added Tan.
Stanley Pringle, Romeo’s backcourt partner, is also close to finalizing a long-term deal with the Batang Pier.
Tan, however, refused to elaborate the financial details.