Nothing personal for Juami in almost beating ex-team

For the first time since being traded back to Terrafirma, Juami Tiongson faced San Miguel Beer in a PBA Governors’ Cup match-up at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Saturday.

Tiongson played like a man possessed but had two big turnovers in the stretch that helped doom the Dyip to a 109-102 loss.

For the heady guard, it was just another day at the office. And calling it a “revenge game” is something he doesn’t agree with.

“Actually, there’s no hard feelings because when they traded me they were very professional,” said Tiongson, who won titles with the Beermen. “People have been saying it’s my ‘revenge game,’ why would it be a revenge game?”

“They never did anything (bad) to me anyway. I have a good relationship with all of them.”

Tiongson turned in 27 points, seven assists and six rebounds in a losing effort as his Dyip dropped to a 1-3 card in Group A.

Tiongson, alongside Chris Miller, were traded to Terrafirma last month in exchange for Jerrick Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez, marking the end of a successful two-year stint with the mighty Beermen, which acquired him through the Vic Manuel and Terrence Romeo deal.

And seeing Tiongson deliver against his former team had his ex-assistant coach at San Miguel beaming.

“We’re happy for Juami. I’m so happy for Juami,” said Peter Martin, who filled in for Leo Austria for the second straight game. “I wanted him to play well against us. With us, he needs a whole series to get 20 shot attempts up.”

“Here, he can do it in one night, so we’re happy for him.”