Facing SMB always brings out the best from Terrafirma

There’s something about San Miguel that always brings out the best from the players of Terrafirma.

The Dyip seemed to really like the challenge of facing up against the powerhouse Beermen, always making the defending champions bleed in the times that they faced up against each other in the all-Filipino conference.

In the two games that they played so far, the Dyip always came out with their best performance: the last one finally bearing fruit when they completed a dramatic 106-95 when the lights were even brighter.

And everyone made big contributions to the cause to pick up Terrafirma’s first playoff win in its franchise.

“Everyone had to step up because we know this San Miguel team is very deep and coach John (Cardel) has the trust in the bench,” said Dyip center Isaac Go who seemingly enjoyed playing against June Mar Fajardo and SMB after dropping a career-high 22 points built on six triples.

Go topped his previous best which he also recorded when he fired seven triples against San Miguel to finish with 21 points.

And it wasn’t Go alone as Tiongson fired 29 points in the quarterfinals, including seven straight down the stretch to put the game away. It was one of the most explosive performances for the high-scoring guard – three of which he did against SMB.

Actually, all of the main guns of Terrafirma performed well in the quarters showdown, reminiscent of their eliminations encounter. 

Holt, who had 18 points and 10 assists in the eliminations, elevated his game higher with 25 points and eight rebounds while Javi Gomez De Liano, who poured 21 in their previous matchup, had an all-around game with 15 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

“Ayun lang talaga eh we have to help one another, hindi lang kaya ni Holt, di lang kaya ni Juami na we have to be there to support them when needed,” he added.

As a team, the Dyip -- the second-best three-point shooting team in the league -- outgunned the Beermen, the league’s top three-point shooting squad, 15-9.

“This team, been there, done that na sila. So parang we know we have to bring that extra effort para we can hold the lead kasi even down the stretch medyo eight points, naging five, six parang medyo delikado pa e,” said Go

“Today great effort from everyone. We really wanted to win this game,” he added.