Titan unleashes ‘Beast’

MANILA, Philippines — Titan Ultra struck hard in the last 8:29 to steal victory from Terrafirma, 111-108, and keep its slim playoffs hopes alive in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center last night.

Calvin Abueva went full beast mode, scattering 20 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocks, as he joined forces with Josh Munzon in powering the Giant Risers’ fightback from 12 down in the fourth.

At 3-6 overall, the league’s youngest franchise maintained its spot at ninth in the standings, level on victories with the last two teams in the Magic 8, Meralco (3-4) and Ginebra (3-4).

Their skid now extended to a sixth game, the Dyip (1-7) have virtually bombed out of the quarterfinal race.

Abueva dropped nine in the final canto, topping this off with two crucial free throws and under goal stab that keyed Titan’s searing 25-10 barrage that completed the turnaround.

“Talagang may laban sila (Terrafirma). Pero hindi kami nagpatalo. Sa akin as veteran, gusto ko manalo, kaya dinoble ko ang effort and then in the end, nanalo,” said Abueva.

Later, Jason Perkins banged in 33 as Phoenix grabbed a 106-98 win over Blackwater to improve to 3-6. The Bossing fell to 1-7.