PBA: Behind franchise-best offense, Terrafirma ousts Macau

Justin Strings dropped 32 points to highlight Terrafirma's franchise-high in scoring. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Terrafirma posted its most explosive offense since joining the PBA en route to a 146-127 rout of now also-ran Macau in their Saturday night duel at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

While both teams went toe-to-toe scoring-wise, the Dyip's better efficiency, where they set their new franchise high in points on 51.8 percent shooting, defined their much-needed win against the Giant Pandas.

Justin Strings led Terrafirma, which kept its quarterfinal hopes alive after moving up to 4-6, with 32 points on 14-for-23 shooting, 11 rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

Juami Tiongson added 30 points on 11-for-20 field goals, including 7 of 10 on threes, one rebound, seven assists, and one block.

JM Bravo came off the bench for a career-high 22 points on 9 of 14 field goals with three rebounds and one assist.

Geo Chiu contributed 18 points and 20 rebounds, while Maverick Ahanmisi put up an unconventional double-double of 14 assists and 12 rebounds with six points.

Oscar Lopez fired 41 points on 15 of 27 shots with 26 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block for Macau, which will miss the playoffs for the second straight conference after falling to 2-8.

Kobey Lam added 37 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and one steal; Lao Chon Pong contributed 20 points, three rebounds, and one assist; and Chao Xingzhao made 14 points, two rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals.

The Scores:

TERRAFIRMA 146 – Strings 32, Tiongson 30, Bravo 22, Chiu 18, Paraiso 11, Eriobu 11, Miller 6, Ahanmisi 6, Mariano 4, Catapusan 4, Hanapi 2, Umali 0, Garcia 0, Zaldivar 0, Adamos 0

MACAU 127 – Lopez 41, Lam 37, Lao 20, Chao 14, Lu 9, Liu 3, Zhang 2, Chen 1, Sun 0

QUARTERS: 42-35, 77-66, 115-95, 146-127