Juami Tiongson erupted for 37 points, leading Terrafirma to a decisive 110-96 victory over NLEX in the PBA On Tour on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Tiongson achieved this impressive scoring feat by shooting 50 percent from the field, making 13 out of 26 attempts. Seven of his baskets came from beyond the arc. Additionally, he contributed six rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
During the third quarter, Tiongson spearheaded Dyip’s rally, scoring 13 points and propelling his team to a 33-point lead while limiting the Road Warriors to just 23 points. This surge gave Terrafirma a comfortable nine-point advantage entering the fourth quarter, 85-76.
In the payoff period, NLEX’s Kris Rosales quickly scored four points. However, Terrafirma responded by unleashing a seven-point streak led by Isaac Go, Tiongson, and Eric Camson, resulting in a 12-point lead with 7:52 remaining, 92-80.
“Maganda yung depensa namin tapos maganda rin yung pasensya namin. Sabi ko sa kanila makakabalik yan, kung hindi kami dedepensa matatalo pa kami. Nag-react naman yung mga players, fourth quarter maganda na-control namin yung game,” said Terrafirma head coach Johnedel Cardel.
Allen Mina, Andreas Cahilig, and Tiongson further extended the lead with eight consecutive points, establishing a commanding 104-85 advantage with 4:18 left in the game.
With this win, the Dyip joined San Miguel and Phoenix at 2-3, while the Road Warriors slipped to 1-4.
Gelo Alolino also contributed 14 points for Terrafirma, while Cahilig recorded a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Mina and Camson both ended up with 12 points.
Don Trollano led NLEX with 20 points, while Kevin Alas provided 15 points off the bench, 12 of which were scored in the first half.
Terrafirma will have one day to prepare for their upcoming match against Meralco on Sunday.
On the other hand, NLEX will enjoy a lengthy rest period before returning to action on June 28 against San Miguel at the same venue.
The Scores:
Terrafirma 110 – Tiongson 37, Alolino 14, Cahilig 13, Camson 12, Mina 12, Go 6, Calvo 6, Ramos 4, Alanes 3, Gomez de Liano 0, Grospe 0 Taladua 0
NLEX 96 – Trollano 20, Wings 15, Adams 13, Doligiez 10, Oascual 10, Rosales 9, Fajardo 8, Anthony 9, Nieto 2.
Quarterscores: 18-22, 52-53, 85-76, 110-96
