Terrafirma guard Juami Tiongson.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Terrafirma erased a big deficit in the third quarter to escape Blackwater by the skin of its teeth, 92-91, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday.
Top draft pick Stephen Holt and Juami Tiongson combined for 24 points in that period to pull the Dyip within 77-73 after trailing by as many as 19 points. Tiongson—finally an All-Star—then hit a tough triple with 12 seconds left in the contest at Rizal Memorial Coliseum to snatch the victory and get the club out of a two-game slump in the tournament.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
“I told the players that we needed this game because this is big. Blackwater will be tied with us, and a win could give us a step to get ahead of them,” said coach Johnedel Cardel, whose crew rose to 3-2, tying the Bossing in the race.
“I told them to be patient and beat them in the second half. Credit to Juami, who I think really is the hero of this game. I trust him. He arrives earlier than me in our practices, so I have confidence in him—that we win and lose with him,” he said.
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Holt delivered 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Tiongson chipped in 20 more in the scoring effort. Isaac Go also contributed 17 in the outing that dealt Blackwater its second loss after bowing to NLEX last Wednesday.
Troy Rosario had 23 points, RK Ilagan added 15 more, while Rey Suerte and Bradwyn Guinto finished with at least 10 points each.
Both clubs go on a break to accommodate the All-Star festivities, and will plunge back into action on the first week of April with Terrafirma facing off with Meralco, and Blackwater taking on Rain or Shine.