MANILA – Terrafirma Dyip cruised to an early double-digit lead before holding off Converge FiberXers, 107-99, for a winning start in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Juan Miguel Tiongson tallied 30 points built on four three-point conversions, while rookie Stephen Holt chipped in a double-double of 27 points and 10 rebounds for the Dyip.
“I really worked hard during the offseason because I know that I will have a bigger responsibility for this team in the All-Filipino conference,” said Holt, who was named Player of the Game.
George Isaac Go contributed 13 points and five rebounds, while Javi Gomez de Liaño and Angelo Alolino ended with 10 each as the Dyip joined early leaders Blackwater Bossing and TNT Tropang Giga with 1-0 record.
The Dyip jumped to an early 17-12 lead behind baskets from Tiongson and Holt. The FiberXers rallied to within 18-20, but back-to-back three-point plays from Alolino widened Terrafirma’s lead to 27-19.
Terrafirma went on a massive run in the second frame to build a 50-27 lead after a basket by Negrense John Paul Calvo. Converge then countered with outside shots to cut it to 54-66 at the half.
The Dyip were on fire anew to start the third quarter as they established a 24-point advantage on a three-pointer by Go. Converge responded with a run behind Deschon Winston to cut the deficit to 75-83.
Converge continued their run in the fourth quarter as they threatened to within 95-101 with over a minute remaining in the game following an inside hit from Justin Arana.
Terrafirma, however, maintained the advantage as Tiongson connected with two layups, while Alolino drilled two free throws for an eight-point spread with under a minute left.
Arana and Alec Stockton finished with 18 points apiece, Winston contributed 17 markers, while Bryan Santos ended with 14 points for the FiberXers./PN
BOX SCORE:
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.
Quarterscores: 27-21, 56-44, 86-75, 107-99.
