Terrafirma Dyip is determined to end its PBA journey with a bang—and they backed up that mindset with a gritty 95-87 victory over Phoenix Super LPG on Friday, April 4, to open the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Louie Sangalang set the tone early, firing 10 of his 21 points in the first quarter, while Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo took turns orchestrating the Dyip’s offensive rhythm, helping the team build an imposing 89-66 lead late in the second half.

Romeo, who scored all 17 of his points in the final two quarters, hit a clutch triple with 2:42 remaining to give Terrafirma a 92-79 cushion—effectively sealing the game.

The win not only gave Terrafirma a promising start but also matched its win total from the previous Commissioner’s Cup, during which rumors swirled about the team’s possible sale.

More importantly, it marked only the second win in as many conferences for coach Raymond Tiongco, who praised his team’s buy-in on the defensive end.

“Actually, committed sila lahat sa defense namin. We did good. May mga lapses, pero nakapag-adjust naman,” said Tiongco.

Phoenix, meanwhile, suffered its fourth straight opening-game loss in as many conferences despite a monster performance from Kai Ballungay, who dropped 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. However, he got little support, as only Raul Soyud reached double digits with 11 points.

The Fuel Masters were plagued by 22 turnovers and poor shooting, converting just 3-of-23 from beyond the arc—proof of Terrafirma’s defensive effectiveness.

Pringle added 17 points, including nine in the second period when he partnered with CJ Catapusan to erase a 28-36 deficit and turn it into a 49-43 halftime lead.

Romeo then exploded for 14 points in the third quarter, pushing Terrafirma to a 73-56 advantage, and the Dyip cruised from there to notch a morale-boosting win.

With the uncertainty surrounding the team’s future, Terrafirma is clearly focused on making its final campaign one to remember.