By Adrian Stewart Co
Terrafirma Dyip continued its hot streak in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup after taking down Blackwater Bossing, 96-84, yesterday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Aldrech Ramos tallied 17 points and nine rebounds, while Reden Celda and Aklanon Andreas Cahilig added 15 and 12 points, respectively, as the Dyip recorded its third straight win for a 3-4 slate.
Juan Miguel Tiongson was held by the Bossing’s defense as he finished with just 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting, while Rashawn McCarthy also ended up with 10 markers for Terrafirma.
The Dyip had a flat start and were down 40-27 in the second period but has slowly clawed its way back on back-to-back three-pointers by Celda and two-pointers by Joseph Gabayni to cut the deficit to 39-43 at the half.
Blackwater kept Terrafirma at bay in the third period with the former on top 44-39 but Dyip relied on baskets from Tiongson, McCarthy and Matthew-Ganuelas Rosser to take a 65-63 edge.
Both teams went toe-to-toe early in the fourth period with the Dyip clinging to a 69-67 lead before they pulled away with conversions from Ramos, Celda and Ganuelas-Rosser for its biggest lead at 91-73.
Chris Michael Tolomia top-scored with 14 points, while Simon Enciso and Eduardo Daquioag added 13 and 12 markers, respectively, as the Bossing remained winless in seven games.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s second game between defending champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings and Meralco Bolts has been postponed to a later date due to health and safety protocols.
It was the second straight day that the PBA has postponed a match after the league also moved to a later date the match of San Miguel Beermen and Alaska Aces last Saturday due to the same reason.
BOX SCORE:
TERRAFIRMA 96 – Ramos 17, Celda 15, Cahilig 12, McCarthy 10, Tiongson 10, Gabayni 9, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Laput 4, Camson 4, Adams 3, Calvo 2, Batiller 1.
BLACKWATER 84 – Tolomia 14, Enciso 13, Daquioag 12, Amer 11, Desiderio 11, Nabong 8, Cruz 4, Golla 3, Torralba 3, Dennison 2, Magat 2, Escoto 1, Paras 0, Canaleta 0.
Quarterscores: 16-22, 39-43, 65-65, 96-84./ASC, WDJ