Terrafirma opens 'last dance' with stunner vs Phoenix at start of PBA PH Cup

Terrence Romeo caught fire in the second half to lead Terrafirma's breakaway. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Terrafirma began what could be its final attack in the PBA with a 95-87 stunner against Phoenix at the start of the Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Amid talks of giving up their franchise to Starhorse Shipping, the Dyip played inspired basketball, especially late in the first half and for most of the second half, as they began the season-ending conference like how they ended the Commissioner's Cup.

Terrafirma ended the second quarter on an 18-5 run to take a 49-43 halftime lead, and the team pulled away in the second half, leading by as much as 23 points, 89-66, midway through the fourth quarter.

Phoenix tried to pull off a comeback in the end, but the team could only draw to as close as eight as time expired.

Louie Sangalang led the Dyip with 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists, four steals, and two blocks, while Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle each added 17 points.

Kai Ballungay put up a career-high 30 points with 15 rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal for the Fuel Masters.

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