PBA: Juami Tiongson drills game-winning trey as Terrafirma frustrates Blackwater

Juami Tiongson shook off RK Ilagan, took a smooth step back then unleashed a three-pointer that secured Terrafirma's 92-91 come-from-behind win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Saturday, March 16.

After Tiongson hit the go-ahead shot with 12.5 ticks to go, Ilagan tried to retaliate for the Bossing with a triple of his own but overshot it, ensuring the Dyip's return to the winning column after twin setbacks.

Terrafirma, which recovered from a 19-point deficit in the third period, improved to 3-2 while handing Blackwater its second straight loss for a 3-2 record.

Tiongson, who returned to the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum for the first time since his high school days with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, finished with 20 points, six rebounds and three assists.

“Akala ko talaga, down by three kami. That’s why I went for the three-point shot. When I made the shot, I was celebrating a bit. My teammates were running towards me. I was like, ‘Overtime pa tayo, bakit kayo nagsi-celebrate?’” Tiongson told members of the press after the match.

“Nagulat ako, panalo pala kami. I didn’t know,” he added.

But Tiongson, who was struggling on offense before his late-game heroics, was quick to say everyone stepped up for the team.

In fact, it was Stephen Holt who topscored for the Dyip with 21 points.

Tiongson and Holt conmbined for 24 points in Terrafirma's third quarter outburst that powered the squad's fightback from a 19-point deficit.

 After Rey Suerte hit a jumper that gave the Bossing a commanding 61-42 lead with still 9:48 remaining in the frame, the Dyip just went off.

By the end of the third, Terrafirma was able to pull to within four, 74-77, on Holt’s triple.

It was a nip-and-tuck contest after that.

Terrafirma vs Blackwater Scores:

TERRAFIRMA 92 – Holt 21, Tiongson 20, Go 17, Sangalang 8, Sangalang 8, Alolino 6, Gomez de Liano 6, Carino 5, Camson 4, Cahilig 3, Ramos 2, Calvo 0.

BLACKWATER 91 – Rosario 23, Ilagan 15, Suerte 12, Guinto 10, David 9, Nambatac 8, Tungcab 6, Hill 4, Yap 3, Escoto 0Casio 0, Kwekuteye 0.

Quarterscores: 21-25, 38-54, 73-77, 92-91