By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Mark Nonoy’s standout performance went to vain as the Terrafirma Dyip suffered a 111-108 defeat to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City on Saturday night, December 6.

Up 98-86 with barely five minutes left, the Dyip appeared firmly in control behind the steady play of Nonoy, who repeatedly punished Titan Ultra in transition and from the perimeter.

But Terrafirma unraveled down the stretch, surrendering a 25-10 closing run as the Giant Risers capitalized on every defensive lapse.

Calvin Abueva, Joshua Munzon, Von Pessumal, and Jeo Ambohot sparked Titan Ultra’s furious rally, trimming the deficit to 101-102 before the Dyip briefly steadied themselves for a 106-101 cushion.

Abueva and Munzon delivered the crucial blows in the final minute, with Munzon burying the go-ahead basket as Titan Ultra seized a 111-108 lead with three seconds remaining — completing a collapse that left the Dyip stunned.

Munzon finished with 21 points to lead Titan Ultra, while Abueva nearly posted a triple-double with 20 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists.

Fran Yu added 15 off the bench, Pessumal chipped in 14, while Renato Ular had 11 as the Giant Risers snapped a two-game skid to rise to 3-6.

Despite Terrafirma’s late breakdown, Nonoy delivered one of his best outings of the season with 18 points, providing pace and composure for a Dyip squad that had looked poised for only its second win.

Jerrick Ahanmisi led Terrafirma with 20 points, while Mark Sangalang and John Bravo added 16 apiece.

Aljon Mariano tallied 15 and Brent Paraiso had 11 as the Dyip slid to 1-7./ASC, WDJ