Pull the strings

Pull the strings | Daily Tribune

Import Justin Strings had his way without his counterpart on the other side, also putting up a double-double of 25 pointsa and 16 rebounds on top of six assists for Terrafirma.

The Dyip outscored the Giant Risers in the payoff period, 34-24, after just a slim three-point lead at the end of the third.

Terrafirma trailed, 79-81, early in the fourth quarter but answered with a 14-7 run to regain control, 93-87, after a Strings layup.

Two charities by Maverick Ahanmisi pushed the Dyip to a comfortable 111-97 advantage in the last 57 seconds of the game.

However, head coach Ronald Tubid was far from satisfied with the win.

“Us coaches, we felt that the team could’ve done better. We should’ve capitalized on the opportunity of playing a team without an import. The game shouldn’t have been like that,” Tubid said.

The Giant Risers played sans import James Milton after failing to secure his FIBA clearance in time as a late replacement for original reinforcement Tirrel Brown.

“Back to zero for us. We’ll review in the video our lapses and correct it,” Tubid added.

Ahmad Hanapi had 14 points while Tiongson and Ahanmisi added 13 and 11, respectively, for Terrafirma.

Aris Dionisio had 21 points and came a rebound short of a double-double for Titan Ultra. Joshua Munzon had 15 points, seven boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks while Paolo Javillonar scored 11 in a losing effort.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine eyes a strong start against Blackwater today at the Ynares Center-Montalban.

Game time is set 5:15 p.m. followed by another Group B showdown between Magnolia and Phoenix at 7:30 p.m.

Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao sets an immediate objective for his team to advance into the next round and get another crack at a chance to end a decade-long title drought.

“To make the top four you need to win at least six wins. Five, maybe, could get you into the next round but that would depend on your quotient,” Guiao said.

Rain or Shine brings in balik-import Aaron Fuller to reinforce its local crew led by Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito, Santi Santillan, Andrei Caracut, Anton Asistio and Caelan Tiongson.

The Bossing are motivated to get back at the Elasto Painters after a 95-151 last 31 March — the most lopsided result in league history.

“I hope it won’t be the same as last conference. Whatever happens we hope to do better, improve from that game,” said Blackwater coach Pat Aquino, who expects a lot from import Kentrell Barkley.

In the other pairing, the Hotshots parade new import KJ Buffen while BJ Johnsons debuts for the Fuel Masters.

The two protagonists figured in a classic in the last conference, with Phoenix escaping with a 101-98 squeaker.