Juami Tiongson caught fire early before Thomas de Thaey and Stephen Holt provided the defensive muscles down the stretch to lift Terrafirma to a 97-87 victory over Blackwater in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
A former PBA Most Improved Player awardee, Tiongson weaved his magic, firing 16 of his 25 points in the first half to ignite the Dyip’s red-hot start.
The former Ateneo de Manila University star also added eight assists and two steals for Terrafirma, which collected its first victory in the season-opening conference.
Tiongson said the win truly tested the resolve of the Dyip.
“There were a lot of calls that didn’t go our way, but we stuck together and we stuck to our game plan,” Tiongson said. Javi Gomez de Liaño also shone as he delivered a solid game in the third period when he pumped in nine of his 17 points with three three-pointers.
He also had two three-point plays in between the Bossing’s rallies as he and Tiongson kept things together, allowing the Dyip to refuse from wilting down under pressure
Tiongson and Gomez de Liaño’s solid performances were enough to cover up De Thaey’s lackluster showing on offense.
De Thaey was only good for 15 points, but grabbed 12 boards, yet his not-so-impressive production was hardly felt as Terrafirma picked up a win.
But De Thaey wasn’t the only one who’s been hardly a factor offensively as Holt, the top overall pick who has been under the microscope since their 103-108 loss to NorthPort in their first game, had another slow production.
A former G League player, the 6-foot-4 Filipino-American was only good for seven points but grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists.
Tiongson quickly came to the aid of his new teammate, believing that it is just a matter of time before he gets his offensive groove.
“A good game for everyone, including Stephen,” Tiongson said.
“He may not have been more productive offensively, but he was a big help for us on the defensive and rebounding.”
