Terrafirma Dyip Bounces Back In style, Crushing San Miguel Beermen’s Hopes
4 min read
In a thrilling showdown at the PBA On Tour, Terrafirma Dyip players showcased their resilience and teamwork, securing a resounding 85-72 victory against San Miguel Beer (SMB) at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.
Despite a tough shooting night, Juami Tiongson led the charge for Terrafirma with a team-high 15 points. The playmaker’s shooting might not have been at its best, going 5-of-15 from the floor, but it was his playmaking prowess that made all the difference. Tiongson dished out six assists, with two crucial feeds to Ed Daquioag and Aldrech Ramos resulting in deep shots that ignited Terrafirma’s fiery rally from a slim 69-66 lead.
The victory was a significant moment for the Dyip as it not only snapped their three-game losing streak but also improved their record to 4-6, surpassing their three-win total from the previous season. For Tiongson, this win held even more significance, symbolizing the steady improvement and growing chemistry of the team throughout the pre-season tournament presented by Arena Plus and sponsored by Bingo Plus.
“We take it seriously. As we all know, we’ve been in the bottom before. We want to build our chemistry and get our confidence going into the coming conference,” expressed a jubilant Tiongson after the game.
Providing vital support off the bench, Ed Daquioag emerged as the chief backup to Tiongson, contributing 13 points to the team’s cause. Eight of his points came in the fourth quarter, with five of them sparking the breakaway from a tightly contested three-point game. Aldrech Ramos added to the scoring spree, sinking a crucial trey that extended Terrafirma’s lead to 83-72, all but sealing the outcome with only 50 seconds remaining.
On the other side, SMB’s Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial put up a valiant effort to keep their team in the game. Both players scored 19 points each, with Brondial demonstrating his workhorse mentality by grabbing an impressive 17 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Beermen couldn’t overcome the absence of their more established stars due to various reasons, dealing a blow to their campaign to finish on a high note.
The game was a true nail-biter, featuring 18 lead changes and 12 deadlocks as both teams fought tooth and nail for supremacy. SMB managed to stay within striking distance, trailing just 66-69 after Brondial’s clutch hook shot with 5:36 left on the clock. However, the momentum shifted when Nico Javelona fouled Ed Daquioag during a three-point attempt. Daquioag converted all three free throws, followed by a layup moments later, creating a 74-66 lead and closing the door of opportunity for the Beermen.
Terrafirma’s victory not only boosts their confidence and team morale but also sets the stage for a promising and competitive upcoming conference. As they continue to gel and grow as a unit, the Dyip will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the PBA.
