TERRAFIRMA scored Sunday night what's easily its biggest win in a long, long while, pulling the rug from under Barangay Ginebra, 91-85, to close in on a quarterfinals entry in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Juami Tiongson, Javi Gomez De Liano and Stephen Holt were the lead forces in the big ambush that lifted the Dyip to fourth place at 4-3 while regelating the Gin Kings to a three-way tie at fifth with the TNT Tropang Giga and the Blackwater Bossing at 3-3.
For the record, the Dyip chalked up just a second win against the league crowd darlings in 23 meetings overall since the Columbian Autocorp. Franchise joined the league in 2014.
Tiongson led the Terrafirma scorers with 25 points with three three-pointers as Gomez De Liano fired a career-high 22 markers and Holt collected 12 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in another sterling all-around game.
Kemark Carino drained two treys and finished with 12 points while Isaac Go chipped in nine points, seven rebounds and three assists in solid back-up efforts.
Sponsored content:
"It was a collective effort," said Gomez De Liano, who went home with the Best Player of the Game honors.
"Historically, bumibigay sa second half. In this game, we made sure, whoever are there on the floor, to make an impact and get the head start," Gomez De Liano pointed out.
The Dyip did, building double-digit spreads in the second half, with the largest at 89-76 entering the last two minutes mark of the game.
Coach Tim Cone was a picture of frustration and disappointment as he stayed on the bench towards the end, leaving the coaching chores to deputy Richard del Rosario.
Christian Standhardinger topscored for the Kings with 21 though not fielded anymore in the final quarter.
Sponsored content:
The Dyip hang tough until the end and notched victory No. 4, tying the most wins for the team in a conference under coach Johnedel Cardel.
"Gustong talagang manalo ng team. Very importante ang game, kung matalo kami, mababaon kami," said Cardel whose teams avoided successive defeats after a loss to the Meralco Bolts the last time out.
Cardel said they hope to win at least two more in their last four games to secure a spot in the post-elims play.
Up next for them are the San Miguel Beermen Wednesday in the same venue.(SB)
