Eric Camson scored 30 points as Terrafirma survived Meralco’s comeback attempt, earning a 107-102 win on Sunday in the PBA On Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Bolts held a mere three-point lead halfway through the third quarter when Camson, Juami Tiongson, Gelo Alolino, and Javi Gomez de Liano led a significant 17-3 run, giving the Dyip an 84-73 advantage heading into the final frame.
Meralco, fueled by Cliff Hodge and Allein Maliksi, mounted a comeback from an 89-77 deficit, briefly taking a 95-93 lead with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
However, big men Camson and Isaac Go steadied Terrafirma down the stretch with crucial baskets, securing the team’s 3-3 record.
“It was a very good win. Medyo tumaas yung kumpyansa ng mga bata even out yung ibang players namin pero they play to win, I encourage them this is your opportunity to play para makita kayo,” said Dyip head coach Johnedel Cardel.
Hodge, Bong Quinto, and Anjo Caram kept the Bolts in the game, but JP Calvo delivered the final blow with a layup off a shifty drive, sealing the victory for Terrafirma. Meralco failed to convert the rest of the way.
With back-to-back victories, the Dyip reached a .500 winning percentage at 3-3, while also ending the Bolts’ two-game winning streak, bringing them to a 3-2 record.
Camson had an efficient performance, shooting 12-of-16 from the field and adding nine rebounds, two steals, and a block.
Tiongson contributed 21 points, six assists, and four steals, while Calvo and Go scored 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Despite Maliksi’s 33 points and Hodge’s 24 points and 15 rebounds, their efforts went in vain.
Terrafirma’s next game is against Phoenix on Friday, while Meralco will have a nine-day break before their match against TNT on June 28.
The Scores:
Terrafirma 107 – Camson 30, Tiongson 21, Calvo 12, Go 11, Gomez de Liano 9, Alolino 8, Ramos 6, Camson 6, Cahilig 4, Mina 4, Taladua 2, Grospe 0, Alanes 0
Meralco 102 – Maliksi 33, Hodge 24, Quinto 16, Torres 8, Dario 6, Caram 5, Pasaol 4, Rios 4, Johnson 0, Almazan 0
Quarterscores: 23-23, 54-55, 84-73, 107-102
