Dyip off and running

MANILA, Philippines — A strong start to Terrafirma’s “Last Hurrah” in the PBA.

The Dyip, who are working on a sale of their franchise to Starhorse Shipping Lines, rolled past Phoenix, 95-87, in the Season 49 Philippine Cup kickoff at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last night.

Led by sophomore Louie Sangalang and veterans Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo, the Dyip played their hearts out to get their bid off and running in potentially their final conference.

“Positive lang ang team,” said acting coach Raymond Tiongco.

“Kung mawawala man ang Terrafirma, gusto namin magkaroon ng winning campaign. So sinabi ko sa kanila, stay positive lang tayo sa season na ito.”

Sangalang made 10 in the first where Terrafirma held a 14-6 lead at one point. Pringle waxed hot with nine in the second to spark a 28-18 salvo that put them ahead at the turn, 49-43. It was Romeo’s turn to sizzle with 14 in the third that enabled the Dyip to break away to 79-59.

Later, Chris Newsome came up clutch as defending champion Meralco rallied from 20 down to edge Converge, 91-89.

Newsome hit the tying triple then followed it up with the go-ahead jumper with 0.8 seconds left to ensure a winning start of the Bolts.