ANTIPOLO – Terrafirma pulled off a stunner on Saturday, beating erstwhile league leader Meralco, 96-88, in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center.
Terrafirma vs Meralco recap
Juami Tiongson and Jordan Williams clicked on offense in the huge victory by the Dyip, snapping a seven-game losing streak against the Bolts, and a 12-game slide in the conference with imports.
A team that once lost 25 straight games over the course of the season, the Dyip have now won their second game over the last five outings to even their record in the Governors’ Cup to 1-1.
Eric Camson scored a putback with 23.4 seconds remaining to extend the lead to eight and thwart a late Meralco comeback bid, sending the Bolts to their first loss after a 2-0 start in game where they were seeking solo first place in the standings.
Tiongson finished with 30 points, one shy of his career high, and shot 6-of-9 from threes, one of which came in the fourth that gave Terrafirma an 86-69 lead, the largest gap in the contest.
Williams had 29 points, eight rebounds, and five steals as the Terrafirma import continued his splendid play this conference.
Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel lauded his players for maintaining their level of play particularly in the third quarter where they kept their lead a slim 52-50 advantage at the half.
“In the last game, we had a good start in the first half but in the third, nag-relax kami. Nagkanya-kanya kami. Bumaba laro namin,” said Cardel, referring to their loss to Converge to open the conference.
“Nung second and third quarter, pinush ko sila. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, kung kailangan ko silang sampalin para magising. It happened. Pero hindi ko sila sinampal,” said Cardel in jest.
Camson also made an impact in the game with 13 points and 10 rebounds aside from the dagger basket.
KJ McDaniels had another strong game with 29 points and 19 rebounds, but the Bolts couldn’t avoid the Dyip onslaught.
The scores:
Terrafirma 96 – Tiongson 30, Williams 29, Camson 13, Cabagnot 8, Ferrer 5, Calvo 4, Alolino 3, Cahilig 2, Gabayni 2, Ramos 0, Gomez De Liano 0, Mina 0.
Meralco 88 – McDaniels 29, Black 12, Maliksi 11, Quinto 9, Hodge 6, Banchero 6, Jose 2, Rios 0, Almazan 0.
Quarters: 24-26; 52-50; 72-65; 92-86.
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