In the PBA Philippine Cup Finals matchup between San Miguel and Meralco, Vic Manuel finally made an impression for his team.

After missing the previous three games, the seasoned forward saw more action in Wednesday’s 111-101 victory over the Beermen, which forced a 2-2 tie in the best-of-seven series.

In just seven minutes of action, the “Muscle Man” finished with eight points, two rebounds, and an assist. With no turnovers and a +-15 stat, he was 3-of-4 from the field and a flawless 2-of-2 from the foul line.

The 36-year-old Licab, Nueva Ecija native received praise from SMB coach Jorge Gallent, who said that he had been ill before the best-of-seven championship series began.

Gallent mentioned that Manuel missed much of the team’s 14-day break without practicing while the Beermen awaited word on which team they would play in the championship, though he did not elaborate on the nature of Manuel’s illness.

In his first finals game, Manuel did appear a little lethargic, but he still performed well enough to win his coach over.

Nevertheless, Gallent pointed out that Manuel still needs to go back to his best after a protracted layoff.

While, on the other hand, due to a persistent calf injury, Terrence Romeo ought to have been rested from the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

He made the decision to play despite the discomfort for Wednesday’s Game Four because he understood how crucial his presence is to the club.

And he fulfilled it.

In his brief 18 minutes on the field, Romeo scored seven points and dished out three assists, giving San Miguel a boost as they defeated Meralco 111-101 to level the best-of-seven series.

The 32-year-old made his debut in this finals and immediately lit up the bench. When the Beermen’s lead was last severely threatened in the game—in the fourth quarter, when he scored four points, including a jumper that helped them extend it to 90–85—he was at his best.

Romeo acknowledged that the doctors’ advice to take a three-week sabbatical to let his injured calf to heal would have prevented him from playing in the entire series.

The former UAAP MVP claimed that in order to manage his injury before Game Four, he took painkillers. In addition, it was his first five-on-five game since Rain or Shine’s semifinal series.

Romeo genuinely wanted to play, according to San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent.

Romeo stated he is still determined to play in Game Five, where San Miguel will try to take back the series lead, following his crucial performance on Wednesday.