Terrafirma punches first playoff ticket in 8 years, arranges QF tussle vs SMB

Terrafirma has captured its first playoff appearance in eight years after eliminating NorthPort, 104-96, in their do-or-die showdown to complete the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals cast on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Dyip, who last trooped to the postseason way back in 2016, have also arranged a QF clash against no less than top-seeded San Miguel with the Beermen owning a twice-to-beat edge. 

It took a total team effort from the Dyip to complete such a feat. 

Leading the victory was Juami Tiongson, who churned out a game-high of 30 points, including the huge three-point play that gave them a 101-96 lead in the final 1:33 in the fourth quarter. The veteran guard also grabbed five rebounds and three assists. 

Rookie Stephen Holt was also vital after he dropped 18 markers, highlighted by a similar three-point chance in the last 39 ticks that ultimately handed them the win with a 104-96 cushion, on top of eight boards, nine dimes, and four steals, 

The Batang Pier tried to mount a last-gasp comeback attempt, but Arvin Tolentino and Zavier Lucero both went wide on their triple shots. 

Javi Gomez de Liaño provided the spark off the bench with 21 points built on three triples while Isaac Go chipped in 13 markers. 

Lucero top-scored NorthPort with 17 points while another rookie in Cade Flores added 16 markers together with five rebounds and one assist. 

Scores:

Terrafirma 104 – Tiongson 30, Gomez de Liano 21, Holt 18, Go 13, Ramos 7, Carino 7, Sangalang 4, Alolino 2, Calvo 2, Camson 0, Mina 0, Cahilig 0.

NorthPort. 96 – Lucero 17, Flores 16, Munzon 15, Tolentino 13, Zamar 10, Navarro 9, Amores 7, Yu 4, Rosales 2, Cuntapay 2, Adamos 1, Bulanadi 0, Chan 0.

Quarters: 27-33, 55-54, 82-81, 104-96.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News