PBA: Terrafirma dominates Converge to open conference on high note

Terrafirma’s Juami Tiongson in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

The duo of Juami Tiongson and Stephen Holt inflicted most of the damage as Terrafirma downed Converge, 107-99, to start off the PBA Philippine Cup on a winning note Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tiongson finished with 30 points while Holt reset his career-high by scoring 27 as the Dyip dominated the FiberXers and gave themselves an optimistic look after a dismal finish to the Commissioner’s Cup.

Terrafirma went 2-9 in the import-flavored conference after losing its final eight matches, extending the franchise’s elusive quest for a first playoff appearance since the 2016 Governors’ Cup.

SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup

It was an inspiring effort for Terrafirma’s two main players, especially with Tiongson being selected by fans for his first-ever All-Star Game appearance and Holt looking to build on how he ended his maiden conference in the league.

“I just want to build on my performance from the last game [of the Commissioner’s Cup],” said Holt, who scored 26 in a loss to Meralco, which was his previous high. “I just went straight to work [before the Philippine Cup] and was training every single day.”

The Dyip led by 21 in the second and 24 in the third and never looked back, even when the FiberXers trimmed the gap to single digits in the payoff period.

READ: PBA top pick Stephen Holt shows why he’s described as Terrafirma savior

Alec Stockton and Justine Arana scored 18 points each, but Converge was forced to open the All-Filipino in a dismal fashion.

Converge went 1-10 last conference, the worst win-loss mark since taking over the Alaska franchise in 2022.

The FiberXers’ closest was at six, 103-97, on Stockton’s layup, but time was not on their side since it came with under 30 seconds to go.

PBA scores

TERRAFIRMA 107—Tiongson 30, Holt 27, Go 13, Gomez de Liano 10, Alolino 10, Sangalang 9, Calvo 6, Ramos 2, Cahilig 0, Camson 0, Mina 0.

CONVERGE 99—Winston 18, Arana 18, Stockton 17, Santos 14, Fornilos 8, Ambohot 7, Melecio 5, Balanza 5, Zaldivar 3, Maagdenberg 2, Caralipio 2, Nieto 0, Delos Santos 0, Fleming 0.

Quarters: 27-21, 56-44, 86-75, 107-99.