WATCH: Terrence Romeo puts on offensive exhibition vs Korea

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ struggles against the South Korean basketball squad continued on Monday, August 31, as a fourth quarter breakdown led to an 82-70 defeat in the William Jones Cup.

But if there was a bright spot, it’s that Terrence Romeo continues to embrace the leader role many hoped the 23-year-old from Cavite would assume. As the Jimmy Alapag era of Gilas Pilipinas winds down, Romeo looks like the new go-to slasher/shooter who is capable of taking over games with his fearlessness and energy.

A night after embarrassing a Chinese Taipei defender with a Kyrie Irving-like crossover move, Romeo shaked and baked on Korean defenders, hitting big jumpers over defenders and driving to the rim with reckless abandon.

Romeo scored 23 points in 21 minutes while shooting 7-13 from the field (3-4 from 3-point range). He was helped out by Gary David (16 points), Calvin Abueva (9 points) but it was ultimately not enough to overcome their most bitter Asian rivals. 

Romeo showed he had no concern about putting his body on the line when he attacked Korea’s 7-foot-3 giant Ha Seungjin in the third quarter, taking the bump and making the score.

The Philippines will look to rebound against Russia on Tuesday. Until then, take comfort in enjoying these Terrence Romeo highlights.

Terrence Romeo gets the pass from Calvin Abueva and sinks the 3! pic.twitter.com/QP38TiTcOn

— Ryan Songalia (@ryansongalia) August 31, 2015

Terrence Romeo with the three and the foul! pic.twitter.com/e7SDrTuDCz

— Ryan Songalia (@ryansongalia) August 31, 2015

Another Terrence Romeo (@tbvromeo) highlight move, taking the dish from Calvin Abueva for the dish pic.twitter.com/0dVDAytKuC

— Ryan Songalia (@ryansongalia) August 31, 2015

– Rappler.com