By REYNALD MAGALLON
A lot of tales from the country’s greatest of players had happened inside the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Juami Tiongson made sure to write his own as the league returned to its old stomping grounds after more than 40 years.
The Dyip star nailed a booming triple with 12.5 seconds left as Terrafirma completed its comeback from 19-points down to frustrate Blackwater 92-91, in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday, March 16.
With Terrafirma trailing, 89-91, Tiongson dribbled from half court and immediately squared up for a jumper two steps behind the three point line over the outstretched arms of Blackwater guard RK Ilagan
Tiongson, after being limited to just four points in the first half, came alive in the last two quarters by pouring in 16 of his 20 points. He was backstopped by Stephen Holt, who also exploded for 13 points in the third frame to top Terrafirma with 21 points on top of his 13 rebounds.
Isaac Go also had his share of damage for the Dyip with conference-high 17 points along with seven rebounds while Javi Gomez De Liano only had six points but all came in the final frame when they made the huge uprising.
The Dyip trailed 59-40 early in the second half, but slowly but surely clawed their way back into the game.
Meantime, Magnolia opened its redemption campaign with a bang by thrashing a hapless Converge, 106-75.
The Hotshots used a balanced attack with four players scoring in double figures as they started taking full control of the contest in the second frame and never looked back.
Sangalang flexed his muscles inside the paint and led with 17 points while backcourt running mates Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca took turns in running the show for Magnolia.
Jalalon scattered 14 points on top of seven assists and five steals while Barroca chipped in 12 points apart from six assists.
Calvin Abueva also contributed with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Magnolia picked up its first win since losing the Commissioner’s Cup finals against the San Miguel Beer while sending the lackluster Converge further down the cellar with a 0-5 slate.
