Terrafirma achieved an outstanding feat in the ongoing PBA on Tour by surpassing its win total from the entire PBA Season 47.
With a remarkable 85-72 victory over an 11-man San Miguel team on Sunday night at the Filoil Ecooil Centre, the Dyip secured their fourth win, a stark contrast to the mere three wins they managed in the previous season, which saw them face 31 losses.
“Kahit na pocket tournament ‘to, we have to improve ourselves every game… This time, going to the next season sabi ko we have to be tough and come through,” said Dyip head coach Johnedel Cardel.
The victory against San Miguel also brought an end to the Dyip’s three-game losing streak, boosting their record to 4-6 with just one game left in their current campaign.
Despite shooting 5-out-of-15 from the field, Juami Tiongson played a pivotal role in Terrafirma’s triumph, leading the team with 15 points, six assists, and three steals.
Throughout the game, the competition remained tight, but sophomore Javi Gomez de Liano displayed his aggressiveness early in the deciding fourth quarter, scoring seven of his nine points during this period, further extending the Dyip’s lead.
Tiongson’s crucial three-pointer with 2:25 left to play was a game-changing moment, granting Terrafirma the first double-digit lead of the game at 77-66 and preventing the Beermen from closing the gap to a single-possession game.
“No, sabi ko kay Juami, siya talaga yung hahanapin eh… we want Juami to be a threat, be a leader… orchestrating his teammates inside,” Cardel said when asked if Tiongson’s low-shooting percentage caught his concerns.
Veterans Ed Daquioag and Gelo Alolino also contributed significantly with 13 and 10 points, respectively. JP Calvo also added 10 markers, four assists, and two steals.
Isaac Go atoned for his dismal 4-of-11 shooting from the field by grabbing 14 rebounds. Eric Camson also notched double-digit rebounds with 12.
With this impressive victory, Terrafirma’s standing improved to 4-6.
Their next challenge will be against the undefeated Magnolia on July 26, Wednesday, at 5 p.m., also in San Juan.
On the other side, Rodney Brondial had an exceptional performance for San Miguel, posting a double-double with 19 points and 17 rebounds, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Jericho Cruz, the leading scorer for the Beermen in this tournament, also contributed 19 points along with six boards.
San Miguel concluded the preseason with a 3-8 standing. (Jose Gabriel Ignacio)
The Scores:
Terrafirma 85 – Tiongson 15, Daquioag 13, Calvo 10, Alolino 10, Gomez de Liano 9, Go 8, Camson 8, Ramos 6, Cahilig 4, Alanes 2
San Miguel 72 – Brondial 19, Cruz 19, Bulanadi 11, Apacible 6, Lee 6, Faundo 5, Baclao 4, Javelona 2, Dela Cruz 0, Lazarte 0
Quarterscores: 21-19, 37-37, 60-57, 85-72
