Terrafirma repulses Blackwater to pick up first Comm’s Cup win

Terrafirma repulsed Blackwater, 97-87, and picked up its first win in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Buoyed by the strong start from main man Juami Tiongson, the Dyip established a double-digit lead in the first half before keeping the rallying Bossing at bay in the final frame to even their record to 1-1.

With the win, Terrafirma also ended an eight-game losing streak which it carried over from the last conference where it finished 2-9 after absorbing seven straight loses.

Tiongson was at the forefront of the attack with 25 points – 16 of which he dropped in the first half – along with eight assists and two steals.

Unlike in the previous conference, it was not a one-man assault for Terrafirma as Javi Gomez De Liano, who is slowly becoming a potent weapon off the bench for the Dyip, chipped in 17 points.

Import Thomas De Thaey had a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds while Kemark Carino also continued to impress with 10 points, nine rebounds and a 2-of-2 clip from deep.

Top pick Stephen Holt was still looking for his rhythm on the offensive end with just seven points to show but made his presence felt on other department with his seven rebounds, five assists and one steal.

Terrafirma led by 10, 50-40, and while Blackwater tried to rally and cut the deficit down to just two, 66-64, late in the third frame, the Dyip managed to find answers to keep the Bossing on the rear in the final frame.

Carino, Gelo Alolino and Andreas Cahilig converted on three triples that kept a seven-point separation between the Dyip and the Bossing. Terrafirma slowly but surely built a lead that went to as many as 13 points, 93-80 after an and-1 play from Tiongson with 2:35 left.

Chris Ortiz had an all-around effort of 15 points, 11 rebounds and six assists while it was Mike Ayonayon who led the team in scoring with 15 in the Bossing’s second straight loss after opening the season with a win.