Chiu dominates as Dyip overtake Giant Risers

ANTIPOLO, Philippines – Geo Chiu stood tall for Terrafirma, producing a near-20-20 double-double to dwarf the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 113-100, in the PBA Governors’ Cup opener Friday at the Ynares Center here. 

Chiu had a gigantic performance for the Dyip, powering his way inside with 19 points and 23 rebounds, to go with a swat in the victory over the import-less Giant Risers. 

“Araw ko lang siguro. Tapos sa susunod na araw, teammates ko naman... Siyempre yung team namin, nawalan kami ng players. Yung mentality namin is to step up. Today, ako ang nakapag-step up," Chiu said after the game.

“Today, araw ko na siguro. Sa susunod na araw, iba naman.”

The game was tight through the fourth quarter, as the two teams traded leads early on in the frame. 

A triple by Roi Sumang sliced the Titan deficit to two, 87-89, with 8:43 remaining, before a massive 11-4 run capped by a layup by Brent Paraiso broke the game wide open, 100-91, with 5:31 left. 

A triple by Joshua Munzon snapped the run, 94-100, before Terrafirma unleashed seven unanswered points to hike the lead to 13, 107-94, with 2:38 remaining. 

The Giant Risers could not climb out of the hole as the clock melted. 

Justin Strings top-scored for Terrafirma with 25 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. JM Bravo had 15 markers and nine boards for the Dyip, while Didat Hanapi and the returning Juami Tiongson had 14 and 13 points, respectively. 

Aris Dionisio finished with 21 points off the bench for Titan. Joshua Munzon added 15 points while Pao Javillonar had 11 for the All-Filipino Giant Risers.