Tiongson-Williams tandem works wonders as Terrafirma stuns Meralco

The tandem of Juami Tiongson and import Jordan Williams proved unstoppable as Terrafirma pulled off a 96-88 stunner over Meralco in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Tiongson scored 30 big points to tow the Dyip while also notching three rebounds and three assists. He shot 7-of-14 (50-percent) from the field, 6-of-9 (66-percent) from three, and 10-of-12 (83-percent) from the free throw line as he came close to his career-high of 31 points.

Williams, meanwhile, posted 29 markers, alongside eight boards, three dimes, and five steals as Terrafirma improved to an even 1-1 record.

The victory also allowed Terrafirma to snap its 12-game losing skid to Meralco in import conferences as the Bolts dropped to 2-1.

The Dyip led by as many as 17 points, 86-69, after Tiongson fueled a 14-4 run to open the fourth, where he drilled 11 markers highlighted by two huge triples.

But the Bolts were able to inch closer with Aaron Black and Bong Quinto bringing them to within six, 90-84, with 1:26 left in the fourth.

Eric Camson then came up with a huge putback basket following a miss on the triple attempt before Meralco's Chris Newsome sank a hook shot that made it a 92-86 affair in the final 20.1 seconds.

Williams completed both his free throws off a foul from Quinto and Tiongson sealed the deal with two more charities.

Camson finished with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds to help the Terrafirma cause while veteran guard Alex Cabagnot chipped in eight markers and seven assists.

KJ Mcdaniels led Meralco with 29 points.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News