Terrence Romeo comes alive in fourth, propels San Miguel on verge of finals return

Terrence Romeo atoned for a lackluster first half and regained consciousness late to steer San Miguel to a 117-107 Game 3 win against Rain or Shine in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals showdown on Wednesday at the Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Playing in his hometown, the shifty guard made up for a scoreless shooting in the first two quarters by dropping all of his 13 points in the crucial fourth quarter as the Beermen took a commanding 3-0 lead to move on cusp of a finals return. 

Down 94-93 early in that period, Romeo rediscovered his form after fueling a 16-8 rampage that saw the wards of head coach Jorge Gallent retake the lead at 109-102 to counter a 9-2 barrage from the opposing side to open the frame.

Marcio Lassiter then laced up a triple to send the defending champions to a sizable 112-105 cushion before Romeo's late jumper and an uncontested three-pointer put the dagger through the heart of Rain or Shine. 

Three Beermen put together 20-point outings with CJ Perez and Lassiter tallying 23 and 21 points while Don Trollano weaved 20 markers off the bench as June Mar Fajardo was limited to just 11 points and 11 rebounds. 

Beau Belga, who was assigned to put the clamps on Fajardo, led Rain or Shine with 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals while Keith Datu and Jhonard Clarito chipped in 14 markers apiece. 

"The boys are really composed, especially in the last few minutes of the game. It's just composure and we knew where to go pagdating sa endgame," Gallent said in the-post game interview. 

"Fortunately, Terrence's shots went in and Don's went in so that was a good sign for us."

San Miguel will look to sweep the series come Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena while Rain or Shine will seek to extend its life in the conference. 

Scores:

San Miguel 117 – Perez 23, Lassiter 21, Trollano 20, Romeo 13, Ross 12, Fajardo 11, Tautuaa 10, Brondial 4, Cruz 3, Enciso 0.

Rain or Shine 107 – Belga 19, Datu 14, Clarito 14, Nocum 14, Caracut 13, Santillan 12, Mamuyac 6, Asistio 6, Norwood 4, Demusis 3, Ildefonso 2.

Quarters: 25-24, 51-47, 91-85, 117-107.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News