TERRAFIRMA started what could be its final conference in the PBA on a winning note, shocking Phoenix, 95-87, on Friday in the 49th Season Philippine Cup opener at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Dyip led by as many as 20 points, 79-59, entering the fourth quarter then held on for the victory, a big morale boost for a franchise that is set to be sold to Starhorse Shipping Lines by the end of the season.
With the win, Terrafirma matched its entire wins total from the last Commissioner's Cup and mirrored its winning start to last season's Philippine Cup.
Terrence Romeo knocked down a three-pointer to put the Dyip ahead, 92-79. That capped a big performance for the flamboyant guard, who scored all his 17 points in the second half.
He had 14 of his points in the third quarter where the Dyip outscored the Fuelmasters, 30-16.
The win was actually the second straight for Terrafirma, which beat eventual champion TNT in its final game for its only win in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Committed sila lahat sa defense namin,” said Terrafirma coach Raymond Tiongco. “May mga lapses pero nakapag-adjust kami kaagad. ‘Yung mga guards namin, big help sa mga bigs namin. ‘Yung rotation namin sa defense, nakuha namin.”
Louie Sangalang had 21 points and eight rebounds to set the tone for the Dyip as Stanley Pringle also lit up with 17 points in a game where the Dyip led by as many as 23 points.
Kai Ballungay had 30 points and 15 rebounds, while Raul Soyud chipped in 11 points for the Fuelmasters, who played without Jason Perkins.
The scores:
Terrafirma 95 – Sangalang 21, Pringle 17, Romeo 17, Hernandez 9, Catapusan 9, Melecio 8, Paraiso 6, Nonoy 4, Ramos 4, Zaldivar 0, Hanapi 0.
Phoenix 87 – Ballungay 30, Soyud 11, Salado 9, Tio 9, Alejandro 6, Garcia 4, Camacho 4, Rivero 3, Jazul 3, Manganti 2, Verano 2, Tuffin 2, Daves 2.
Quarters: 21-25; 49-43; 79-59; 95-87.
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