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| Juami Tiongson's three won it for Terrafirma. Dennis Acosta |
MANILA—Juami Tiongson buried the pivotal basket as Terrafirma climbed back from a 19-point deficit to stun Blackwater, 92-91, in the PBA's long-awaited return to the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.
Tiongson hit a go-ahead three with 12.5 seconds left off a crucial Rey Nambatac free throw miss to put the Dyip up for good after the Bossing tried to pull away following a 29-17 second quarter and eventually opened a 59-40 advantage early in the third.
RK Ilagan tried to get the three back, but he missed his own attempt as time ran out on Blackwater to preserve the victory.
Stephen Holt, who made a return after missing the Dyip's game against the TNT Tropang Giga due to some back pains, led Terrafirma with 21 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Tiongson added 20 points, 16 in the second half, six rebounds, and three assists as the Dyip tied their victims at 3-2.
Troy Rosario led Blackwater with a conference-high 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one block, and two steals.
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