You can’t lose them all.
Terrafirma Dyip finally ended its losing streak in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup by beating Blackwater Elite, 110-101, yesterday, Friday, November 6, 2020 at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena & Cultural Center Powered by Smart 5G.
The Dyip almost lost a big lead with another third-quarter collapse but leaned on the hot hands of their young backcourt – in guards CJ Perez and Juami Tiongson, who delivered points in the clutch – to tow their team to the scrambling victory.
The Dyip actually ended almost 13 months of futility. It was the first time for the franchise to win a PBA game in over a year. The Dyip beat Phoenix, 106-104, during an elimination round game of the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup October 25, 2019.
Meanwhile, the Alaska Aces bounced back into the win column with a 102-94 victory over NorthPort Batang Pier.
The Aces exploded out of the gates with a blazing 11-0 start, had some anxious moments late in the game but hung on to eventually post the win.
With the victory the Aces (6 wins, 4 losses) climbed to sixth place behind TNT Tropang Giga (6-2), Barangay Ginebra (6-2), Phoenix Super LPG (6-3), San Miguel Beermen (5-3) and Meralco Bolts (5-3).
The other teams include Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-3), Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok (4-4), NLEX Road Warriors (3-5), Blackwater (2-6), NorthPort (1-7) and Terrafirma (1-7).
Batang Pier hung on to the coattails of Christian Standhardinger to threaten in the fourth. But the Aces put up a 12-point, 94-82, advantage with three minutes left after free throws by Jeron Teng.
The Aces held on to that advantage to eventually prevail. The Aces thus earned at least a playoff for a berth in the Quarterfinals and keep alive their hopes for a twice-to-beat advantage.
Standhardinger lit up his stats line with 39 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. His one-man show was not enough to tow his team to victory.
Terrafirma’s celebrated rookie Roosevelt Adams delivered a double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds to finally live up to expectations and actually keep alive Dyip’s longshot hope of advancing to the Quarterfinals.
Coach Johnedel Cardel said he implored his players to go for the win to avoid going home winless.
“Credit to all the players. They kept on fighting even though we were 0-7. I told them I didn’t want to go home from here with 0-11. At least makapanalo tayo para mabawasan ang pagiging homesick,” said Cardel.
The Dyip can gain a tie for the eighth and final slot in the Quarterfinals if they win all their remaining games and either Rain or Shine or Magnolia lose all of theirs.
Game 1 Scores:
Terrafirma Dyip 110 – CJ Perez 27, Roosevelt Adams 20, Juami Tiongson 19, JP Calvo 11, Eric Camson 11, Bryan Faundo 7, Aldrech Ramos 5, Glenn Khobuntin 4, Reden Celda 4, Philip Cahilig 2, Keith Agovida 0, Christian Balagasay 0.
Blackwater Elite 101 – Niño Canaleta 29, Don Trollano 16, Roi Sumang 15, Ed Daquioag 12, Mac Belo 10, Marion Magat 8, Frank Golla 4, Ron Dennison 4, Mike Tolomia 3, Diego Dario 0, Richard Escoto 0, Matt Salem 0, Jonjon Gabriel 0.
Quarter Scores: 27-20, 54-45, 80-81, 110-101.
Game 2 Scores:
Alaska Aces 102 – Abu Tratter 16, Rodney Brondial 16, Jeron Teng 14, Robbie Herndon 13, Maverick Ahanmisi 11, Vic Manuel 11, Mike DiGregorio 6, Jvee Casio 6, Barkley Eboña 6, Abel Galliguez 3, MJ Ayaay 0, Rey Public 0, Yutien Andrada 0.
NorthPort Batang Pier 94 – Christian Standhardinger 39, Garvo Lanete 11, Paolo Taha 10, Nico Elorde 9, Kevin Ferrer 8, Jervy Cruz 3, Renzo Subido 3, LA Revilla 0, Sean Manganti 0.