Dyip pull off big surprise, end PBA Comm’s Cup campaign with huge win over TNT

Sports

RIDING the crest of a scorching six-game winning streak, the TNT Tropang Giga were expected to dominate the Terrafirma Dyip, a team that struggled to get even one win.

But what was expected to be a domination ended in frustration as the Tropa came out flat, allowing the Dyip to score a shocking 117-108 upset in the 49th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday night, January 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Terrafirma was already out of playoff contention but the huge upset enabled them to bow out in style, snapping an 11-game losing streak and preventing a winless campaign in the import-flavored tournament.

Shining bright in the Dyip’s massive win was Mark Nonoy, who fired a career-high 33 points, anchored on a 2-of-3 from the four-point arc and 5-of-6 from the three-point territory.

Nonoy played a key role in Terrafirma’s back-breaking run in the middle periods, where the Dyip outscored the Tropa, 74-42, resulting in a 99-70 lead with only one quarter left to play.

Nonoy’s second four-pointer made it a 103-72 lead for Terrafirma before TNT made some runs that made the final tally more respectable.

Backing Nonoy up was import Brandon Edwards, who piled up 19 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Also scoring in double figures were Louie Sangalang (16 points), Aljun Melecio (10), and Kemark Carino (10).

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson produced big numbers, finishing with 41 points and 10 boards but the Tropa couldn’t preserve their streak, absorbing a crucial loss that heavily affected their bid for a Top 2 finish after the eliminations.

The Tropa came into the match occupying the No. 1 spot in the team standings but with the loss, their third in nine games, they dropped all the way down to fifth.

THE SCORES:

TERRAFIRMA (117) - Nonoy 33, Edwards 19, Sangalang 16, Carino 10, Melecio 10, Ferrer 9, Pringle 8, Manuel 6, Hernandez 4, Catapusan 2, Hanapi 0.

TNT (108) - Hollis-Jefferson 41, Oftana 17, Nambatac 12, Castro 11, Pogoy 9, Galinato 5, Erram 5, Razon 4, Khobuntin 2, Aurin 2, Payawal 0, Williams 0, Varilla 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 25-28, 61-50, 99-70, 117-108.(CCM)