Terrence Romeo on second showdown with Caguioa: 'Pipilitin kong makasabay sa kanya'

GlobalPort rookie Terrence Romeo and Ginebra superstar Mark Caguioa figured in one of the most memorable shootouts seen in the league during their first meeting this season. Jerome Ascano

AFTER an explosive first encounter, Globalport rookie Terrence Romeo is looking forward to matching up with Ginebra superstar Mark Caguioa again when the Batang Pier and the Gin Kings clash anew in the PLDT MyDSL-PBA Philippine Cup.

The last time the two scoring guards crossed paths, the Kings emerged triumphant, 109-104, but not after getting a huge scare from huge Batang Pier fightback led by Romeo.

The former Far Eastern University King Tamaraw fired 22 of his 27 points in the final two quarters, but the Kings had the last laugh as Caguioa answered with 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter in one of the most compelling shootouts seen in the league the past few years.

Romeo said he expects another tough battle from Caguioa and the Kings.

“Syempre mahigpit na laban yan,” the reigning UAAP MVP told Spin.ph. “Sobrang lakas ng Ginebra kaya sobrang hirap na laban yan para sa amin.”

But the 21-year old native of Cavite vowed to bring out his best to help the Batang Pier secure a playoff berth for the franchise.

Global Port is currently tied with Meralco and Barako Bull for sixth to eight place with identical 5-8 slates and is still a win short of a guaranteed place in the playoffs, while Ginebra is on top of the standings at 10-2.

“Pipilitin kong makatulong sa team namin, ibibigay ko ang best ko,” he said. “No pressure lang, basta gagawin ko lang ang best ko.”

As for his match up with Caguioa, Romeo sees the showdown as another challenge in his young pro career.

At the same time, he also hopes to keep up with the one-time league MVP.

“Siyempre medyo panibagong challenge ang laban namin pero wala na kasing kailangan patunayan si Kuya Mark, superstar na siya sa PBA,” said Romeo. “Basta ako ipapakita ko lang ang kaya ko at pipilitin kong makasabay sa kanya.”