Terrafirma back in PBA playoffs after eliminating NorthPort

Juami Tiongson exploded at the right time for playoff-bound Terrafirma. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--After eight years, Terrafirma is back in the PBA quarterfinals.

The Dyip finally sealed their place in the Philippine Cup playoffs after ousting the NorthPort Batang Pier through a 104-96 win in their play-in game on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Despite letting NorthPort go on an offensive explosion in the first quarter, where they scored 33 points, Terrafirma kept in step.

Eventually, the Dyip pulled away by ending the game on a 6-0 run, holding the Batang Pier scoreless in the final 1:49.

Juami Tiongson exploded for 30 points with five rebounds and three assists for Terrafirma, which will face San Miguel, holding a once-to-win advantage, in the quarterfinals on Saturday at the nearby Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Javi Gomez De Liano added 21 points, seven rebounds, and one assist off the bench, Stephen Holt came close to a triple-double with 18 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists with four steals.

Zav Lucero put up 17 points, six rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal for NorthPort.

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