The Terrafirma Dyip survived a late scare from the NLEX Road Warriors on Saturday to continue their strong showing in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, pulling off a narrow 113-112 win at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Terrafirma veteran Aldrech Ramos scored off an offensive rebound with three seconds left to give them the lead, 113-111. NLEX import Thomas Robinson was fouled on the ensuing play and had the chance to send the game into overtime with two free throws. He, however, missed his second attempt, allowing the Dyip to escape by the skin of their teeth.
Javi Gomez de Liaño put up a career-high 31 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field.
"Before the game, I knew they (NLEX) were gonna check Juami (Tiongson) because he's been playing well in the past two games. Nung first two quarters napansin ko na chine-check na siya, so it's all about stepping up," said Gomez de Liaño after the game.
The former UP Fighting Maroons ace was name-dropped by coach Johnedel Cardel in their previous game against the Blackwater Bossing as someone who could shine for Terrafirma.
Gomez de Liaño, who had 17 points and five rebounds versus Blackwater, made a clairvoyant out of his coach.
"I'm always ready when coach calls my name. Luckily this year, I've been getting more opportunities and I gotta make sure that I always deliver when I'm on the court," said the versatile forward, acknowledging that he still has to fine-tune some aspects of his game.
Gomez de Liaño was backstopped by import Thomas de Thaey who had a double-double of 23 points and 16 caroms. Top overall pick Stephen Holt, meanwhile, finally had his breakout game for Terrafirma with 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Tiongson finished with 14 markers.
It felt like the Dyip's wheels would fall off when the Road Warriors mounted another late rally, similar to their come-from-behind overtime win over the San Miguel Beermen. NLEX tied the game at 111-111 with 10 seconds left after being down by eight points in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter.
But the Dyip had enough grease to salvage the win and improve to 2-1 with back-to-back victories.
Robinson had 40 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks for NLEX, which dropped to 1-2.
NLEX star guard Kevin Alas exited the game in the second quarter with what appeared to be a knee injury.
The Dyip will next face the TNT Tropang Giga, while the Road Warriors will next battle the NorthPort Batang Pier. Both games will be on Wednesday.