PBA: Geo Chiu posts career highs as Terrafirma beats Titan Ultra in Governors' Cup opener

Geo Chiu delivered a career performance on Friday, posting career highs of 19 points and 23 rebounds to lead Terrafirma to a 113-100 victory over import-less Titan Ultra in the opening game of the PBA Governors' Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Dyip held a slim 79-76 lead entering the fourth quarter before pulling away midway through the final period. Holding a 100-94 advantage, Terrafirma unleashed a 7-0 run to extend its lead with 2:38 remaining.

Aris Dionisio knocked down a three-pointer to cut the deficit, but free throws from returning guards Juami Tiongson and Maverick Ahanmisi all but sealed the victory despite Bryan Sajonia's late triple. Didat Hanapi added the final basket to complete the win.

“We’re trying to adjust pa kasi we have new players like Juami and Chris na maka-adjust sa team. As coaches, medyo nakulangan kami kasi ‘yung opportunity na ‘yun na walang import, ‘yung laro hindi dapat ganoon,” Terrafirma head coach Ronald Tubid said, adding that the team still has mistakes to correct moving forward.

Terrafirma import Justin Strings finished with 25 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. JM Bravo added 15 points, nine rebounds, two steals, one assist, and one block, while Hanapi contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. Tiongson and Ahanmisi chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Dionisio paced the Giant Risers with 21 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and one block, while Joshua Munzon and Pao Javillonar added 15 and 11 points, respectively.

Returning guard John Amores scored five points in nine minutes of action.

Scores:

Terrafirma 113 – Strings 25, Chiu 19, Bravo 15, Hanapi 14, Tiongson 13, Ahanmisi 11, Eriobu 9, Paraiso 5, Zaldivar 2, Umali 0, Garcia 0, Catapusan 0, Mariano 0, Miller 0.

Titan 100 – Dionisio 21, Munzon 15, Javillonar 11, Sumang 9, Sajonia 9, Cuntapay 9, Balanza 6, Amores 5, Yu 5, Omega 4, Pessumal 2, Ambohot 2, Caralipio 2, Ular 0, Inigo 0.

Quarters: 29-25, 51-46, 79-76, 113-100.

—JKC, GMA News