Terrafirma downs Alaska to stay alive in playoff hunt

The Terrafirma Dyip kept their playoff hopes alive in the PBA Philippine Cup after blowing out the Alaska Aces, 105-89, at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga on Sunday, September 19.

Six players finished in double figures for the Dyip, with Rashawn Mccarthy leading the balanced attack with a game-high 19 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting.

The Dyip halted their three-game losing skid and tied the Phoenix Fuel Masters at 4-7 in the tight race for the few remaining playoff spots.

Trailing by 1 point, 74-75, with 51 seconds remaining in the third period, the Dyip went on a decisive 11-0 run to lead by 10 markers, 85-75, with 10:36 left in the final frame.

The Dyip never looked back as they managed to stretch their advantage to 14 points, 92-78, which proved too much for the Aces to overcome with only seven minutes left to play in the ball game.

Juami Tiongson, Aldrech Ramos, and Roosevelt Adams added 18 points apiece for Terrafirma, while Bonbon Batiller and Reden Celda contributed 11 points apiece in the victory.

Abu Tratter topscored with 18 points for Alaska, which played its third straight game in as many days, while Robbie Herndon and Maverick Ahanmisi had 15 and 14 points, respectively, in the losing effort.

The Aces, who dropped to 3-6 in the standings, will look to strengthen their push for a playoff spot as they have two elimination games left in their schedule.

The Scores

Terrafirma 105 – Mccarthy 19, Tiongson 17, Ramos, 17, Adams 17, Batiller 11, Celda 11, Ganuelas-Rosser 8, Gabayni 3, Calvo 2, Laput 0.

Alaska 89 – Tratter 18, Herndon 15, Ahanmisi 14, Casio 12, Brondial 12, Adamos 8, Teng 4, Digregorio 3, Banal 3, Ilagan 0, Ebona 0, Marcelino 0.

Quarters: 24-21, 42-45, 79-75, 105-89.

– Rappler.com