PBA: Titan Ultra pulls late run to avert Terrafirma upset

Joshua Munzon scored the dagger free throws for Titan Ultra. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

LUCENA--Titan Ultra regrouped in time to prevent Terrafirma from scoring a huge win and steal a 111-108 decision in their PBA Philippine Cup game on Saturday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

Down by five with two and a half minutes left, the Giant Risers went on an 8-0 run to take a 109-106 lead with 34.4 seconds left.

Louie Sangalang kept the Dyip in the game with a quick layup to draw to within 108-109 with 33.5 seconds remaining.

They then had a chance to steal the win after Maverick Ahanmisi stripped the ball from the driving Calvin Abueva.

However, Cade Flores poked the ball away from Aljon Mariano, and Mariano was forced to foul Joshua Munzon, who picked the ball up.

Munzon went 2-for-2 from the foul line to up the lead to three with 3.7 seconds left.

Terrafirma had a chance to force overtime, but Jerrick Ahanmisi's open shot from three-point range rolled out the rim as time expired.

Munzon led Titan Ultra, which moved up to 3-6, with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, one rebound, four assists, and two steals.

Abueva added 20 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and three blocks, while Fran Yu put up 15 points, two rebounds, 11 assists, and one steal off the bench.

Jerrick Ahanmisi also had 20 points with four rebounds, three assists, and one steal to lead the Dyip, who dropped to 1-7.