Terrafirma answers TNT rally with overtime barrage to end losing streak

Tiger Scores365

After watching an 18-point lead disappear, Terrafirma refused to let another game slip away.

Instead, the Dyip delivered one final burst in overtime, knocking down clutch three-pointers to defeat defending champion TNT, 111-106, on Saturday at the Ynares Center and snap a three-game skid in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup.

Momentum had swung completely in TNT's favor when RR Pogoy's basket gave the Tropang 5G a 104-98 lead early in the extra period.

But Terrafirma had one last answer.

Juami Tiongson buried back-to-back triples to ignite the comeback before Joseph Eriobu and Maverick Ahanmisi followed with three-pointers of their own, highlighting a decisive 12-2 finishing run that flipped the game for good.

JM Bravo then preserved the lead with a crucial block on Darius Days before Tiongson calmly knocked down a free throw to seal the victory.

Head coach Ronald Tubid credited his players for finally putting together a complete performance after three frustrating defeats.

"Siguro kulang lang 'yung effort sa last three losses. Sabi ko nga, hinihintay pa ng team ang malamangan bago humabol," Tubid said.

"Everyday in practice, sinasabi namin na kaya naman natin, as long as we play our A-game. Kailangan lang maano ng players na kaya naman; if we keep on competing, may chance manalo."

The breakthrough lifted Terrafirma to a 2-3 record.

Justin Strings once again anchored the Dyip, finishing with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists as Terrafirma dominated the second quarter to take a comfortable 50-35 halftime advantage.

Tiongson added 24 points, including seven in overtime, while Ahanmisi produced an all-around effort with 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block.

TNT nearly completed the comeback thanks to Jordan Heading, who erupted for 29 points and nine rebounds. His acrobatic floater with just 0.3 seconds left forced overtime after the Tropang 5G rallied from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

Heading even pushed TNT ahead 106-101 with 1:59 remaining in overtime, but the defending champions went scoreless the rest of the way as Terrafirma finished with the game's final 10 points.

Pogoy contributed 23 points in his first game after signing a fresh three-year contract extension, while Rey Nambatac scored 19 and Kim Aurin added 18. Import Darius Days, however, was held to just 10 points and five rebounds.

The victory gave the Dyip renewed confidence heading into Wednesday's matchup against Macau, while TNT will try to halt its two-game slide when it takes on Converge on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.