This time around, Juami Tiongson stepped aside and let his other teammates do their thing for Terrafirma Dyip.
Aldrech Ramos tallied a game-high 17 points as the Dyip subdued winless Blackwater Elite, 96-84, on Sunday in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Ramos and three other teammates helped Dyip took control in the fourth quarter and post their third straight win in seven games.
Reden Celda banged in 15 points, including two free throws and a jumper in the remaining 9:55 to provide Dyip some lift as they finally began to move away following a 65-all third quarter tie.
Philip Cahilig knocked in 12 points and provided some muscle with 11 rebounds for Dyip. His triple came on top of a short 6-0 burst gave the team a 76-69 cushion in the ensuing play.
From there, the Dyip managed to protect their slim advantage until the end.
“We don’t underestimate them. Iyun nga, nanalo pero dumikit sila sa amin. So we stayed humble and just did our team defense,” said Dyip coach John Cardel.
Unlike in their last two games, Tiongson took it easy this time and only had 10 points, with Rashawn McCarthy.
The game between the Meralco Bolts and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel was postponed in accordance with the PBA’s health and safety protocols.
The match will be rescheduled at a later date following league guidelines.
Mike Tolomia shot 14 points for the Elite.