By MARK REY MONTEJO
Terrence Romeo had his recovery period from a calf injury cut short just to help a San Miguel team badly needing an offensive lift through the first three games of PBA Philippine Cup Finals series.
Romeo only played 18 minutes off the bench while battling through pain but it proved to be all the Beermen needed from him to essay a convincing 111-101 win in Game 4 – the most lopsided result so far in the Finals – to even the series at 2-2.
Playing for his first full court, five-on-five game, Romeo was obviously not in his best shape but still managed to provide quality minutes with seven points and three assists.
“Actually, ang time healing ko talaga sabi ng mga doctors [ay] nasa three weeks [dapat] eh wala pakong three weeks [naghe-heal],” said Romeo whose determination to be of help for his team was far greater from any medical advice to rest his nagging calf injury.
“Gusto ko talagang makatulong, kahit ilang minutes lang ako gamitin at kahit sa ano mang paraan [man yan],” he added.
Romeo admitted that the injury had been bugging him even during the game and was only managing to play through the pain with the help of painkillers.
“Nararamdaman kona kanina na merong nagta-tight, ito ‘yong first time [ulit] na nakapaglimahan ako since Game 4 ng semis [against Rain or Shine],” he added. “Ito ‘yong first time na nakapag up and down ako, ‘di ko alam saan ako kukuha ng resistensya actually.”
Although was able to play in Game 4, Romeo remained in day-to-day status heading into Game 5 on Friday, June 14.
“Kailangan kolang siguro maibaba ‘yong swelling [and] meron akong isang araw para magpababa ng swelling, hopefully, para sa Game Five,” Romeo continued.
Aside from Romeo, San Miguel had a huge boost coming from the bench in Vic Manuel, who tallied eight points, two rebounds and one assist in seven minutes of play.
