Tiongson takes the wheel for Dyip in win vs Bossing

MANILA, Philippines – Juami Tiongson scored 25 points to help steer the Terrafirma Dyip past the Blackwater Bossing, 97-87, for their first win in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday.

Tiongson also dished out eight assists for the Dyip.

Blackwater was trailing by just five, 64-69, to start the fourth quarter. 

But Kenmark Carino opened the period with a 3-pointer to give Terrafirma an eight-point lead, 72-64, 16 seconds into the frame.

The two teams traded baskets as the Dyip failed to run away with the lead early on. 

Blackwater import Chris Ortiz converted on a layup to cut Terrafirma’s lead anew to five, 70-75, with 10 minutes remaining. 

A pair of free throws by Dyip No. 1 one pick Stephen Holt pushed the lead to seven. 

On the other end, Mike Digregorio sank a 3-pointer with 9:21 left to cut Blackwater’s deficit to four, 73-77.

Thomas de Thaey answered with a layup as Terrafirma regained a six-point lead, 79-73.

The two teams traded free throws, and ultimately, Tiongson made a pull-up jumper to give Terrafirma an 83-75 upper hand with 7:24 remaining. 

Javi Gomez de Liano made a 3-pointer following a miss by Troy Rosario as the Dyip surged ahead, 86-75, and never looked back.

Tiongson made timely baskets and dished out crisp passes to help give Terrafirma its first win of the tournament. 

"It was a total, collective effort. We played as a team. We stayed focused," Tiongson told reporters after the game. 

"There were a lot of calls that did not go our way, but we stuck with it. We stuck to our game plan, trusted our game plan," he added. 

Gomez de Liano followed Tiongson's scoring output with 17 points off the bench. 

De Thaey registered 15 points and 12 rebounds for the 1-1 Dyip. 

For his part, Mike Ayonayon came off the bench to pace 1-2 Blackwater with 16 points. 

Meanwhile, Ortiz posted 15 points, 11 rebounds and six assists for the Bossing.