Strings, Chiu dominate

MANILA, Philippines — Terrafirma caught a break when Titan Ultra’s import James Milton couldn’t play due to the absence of a FIBA clearance.

And the Dyip made sure to cash in on this advantage.

As their reinforcement Justin Strings registered a routine 25-point 16-rebound PBA debut, rookie Geo Chiu delivered import-like numbers of 23 boards and 19 markers against the all-Filipino Giant Risers.

The duo’s dominant play, especially underneath the boards, spelled the big difference as the Dyip ran away with a 113-100 win in the Governors’ Cup opener last night at Ynares Center-Antipolo.

“We just really wanted to start this season strong kasi meron kaming four games na dire-diretso. Sana magtuloy-tuloy ang momentum,” said Chiu.

It was a new career high in points and rebounds for the No. 1 pick of Season 50, who averaged 7.3 markers and 10.1 boards in the last Commissioner’s Cup, his maiden conference. He fell one point shy of recording a first 20-20 game for a local in Terrafirma’s franchise history.

The club’s 94 rebounds was also an all-time league record.

“After the last conference, hindi ako nag-break, went straight to lifting and training. I’m just really happy ’yung work is playing off.”

With the 6-foot-10 Chiu as anchor, the Dyip manhandled the Giant Risers in the battle for the boards, 94-52.

JM Bravo and Maverick Ahanmisi accounted for nine caroms each, aside from scoring 15 and 11, respectively.

Later, NLEX. led by DeQuan Jones’ 23-11 and Kevin Alas’ 19, gave Jimmy Alapag a triumphant coaching debut, clobbering guest team Macau, 114-75.