ANTIPOLO — Terrafirma began a conference on a winning note for the second time in the PBA Season 50 following a 113-100 victory over Titan Ultra in the Governors’ Cup opener at the Ynares Center here on Friday evening.
The Dyip actually lost the lead and trailed 81-79 barely a minute into the fourth but quickly recovered, and went on to pull away with about six minutes left as they had more in the tank against a Giant Risers side that went all-Filipino.
Titan Ultra failed to secure the needed permit to field James Milton, leaving them with no choice but to fight minus an import—a situation which appeared to be manageable when they got ahead, until they lost steam in the end.
With no matchup to worry about, Justin Strings went on to submit a solid debut as he finished with 25 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists to lead Terrafirma.
Rookie Geo Chiu feasted inside as well and finished with career-highs of 19 points and 23 rebounds on the way to netting Player of the Game honors.
JM Bravo made 15 points and nine rebounds. Didat Hanapi supplied 14 points and seven rebounds while Maverick Ahanmisi added 11 in the win that also gave Juami Tiongson a triumphant homecoming of sorts.
Brought back to the franchise where he was once the face of after being traded by San Miguel along with Chris Miller for Jerrick Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez, Tiongson made 13 points on 13 shots off the bench.
