MANILA — Juan Miguel Tiongson delivered a clutch fourth-quarter performance before Terrafirma Dyip completed a stunning overtime comeback to upset TNT Tropang 5G, 111-106, in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Facing a six-point deficit, 98-104, with just over two minutes remaining in regulation, Tiongson ignited the Dyip’s comeback by draining consecutive three-pointers to cut the gap to two. Joseph Eriobu and Maverick Ahanmisi then buried crucial triples that gave Terrafirma a 110-106 cushion in overtime.
After the Dyip forced TNT import Darius Days into a defensive stop, Tiongson calmly split his free throws with less than 10 seconds left to seal one of Terrafirma’s biggest victories of the conference.
Tiongson earned Player of the Game honors after finishing with 24 points on five three-point shots, along with two assists and a steal as the Dyip improved to a 2-3 win-loss record.
Import Justin Strings powered Terrafirma with a dominant double-double of 36 points and 12 rebounds, while also adding six assists and two steals. Ahanmisi chipped in 20 points.
Jordan Heading paced TNT with 29 points, while Roger Pogoy added 23. Rey Nambatac, Kim Aurin and Days contributed 19, 18 and 10 points, respectively, as the Tropang 5G slipped to a 1-2 record.
In the other game, Ramon Cao fueled a remarkable comeback as the Macau Giant Pandas rallied from a 19-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 132-126.
Macau trailed by as many as 70-51 early in the third period before launching a blistering rally highlighted by baskets from inside and beyond the arc to seize a 95-94 advantage.
The Giant Pandas maintained their momentum in the fourth quarter, with Jenning Leung knocking down timely outside shots to stretch Macau’s lead to 118-112.
Titan Ultra briefly regained control, 120-119, on two free throws by Joshua Munzon, but Cao answered with a basket and back-to-back free throws in the closing minute to secure the victory.
Cao posted a double-double of 28 points and 13 rebounds, along with two assists and two steals, to earn Player of the Game honors, while De’Vondre Perry led Macau in scoring with 32 points./PN
