 |
| Juami Tiongson hit 30 points and helped Terrafirma hold off Converge. PBA Images |
QUEZON CITY—Terrafirma escaped a late run from Converge to open their stint in the PBA Philippine Cup with a 107-99 win on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Dyip heaved a sigh of relief in the end after they nearly blew a 24-point lead only that the FiberXers failed to complete the comeback.
Up 76-52 in the third quarter, Terrafirma found itself still in danger of losing as Converge chopped the lead down to six, 101-95, with 1:51 left in the fourth.
The FiberXers, however, could not sustain their late brilliance, and Juami Tiongson essentially iced the game by scoring on a layup with 39 seconds remaining even as both teams just exchanged baskets in the end.
Tiongson finished with 30 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Terrafirma, which just like in the Commissioner's Cup won their conference debut in the Philippine Cup.
Stephen Holt added 27 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and five steals.
Alec Stockton and Justin Arana each scored 18 points for Converge.
The Scores:
TERRAFIRMA 107 – Tiongson 30, Holt 27, Go 13, Gomez de Liano 10, Alolino 10, Sangalang 9, Calvo 6, Ramos 2, Cahilig 0, Camson 0, Mina 0
CONVERGE 99 – Winston 18, Arana 18, Stockton 17, Santos 14, Fornilos 8, Ambohot 7, Melecio 5, Balanza 5, Zaldivar 3, Maagdenberg 2, Caralipio 2, Nieto 0, Delos Santos 0, Fleming 0
QUARTERS: 27-21, 56-44, 86-75, 107-99
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
.jpg)
