Terrafirma Dyip’s Louie Sanggalang against Phoenix Fuel Masters defenders in the PBA Philippine Cup opener. –PBA IMAGES
Terrafirma got off its impending final run in the PBA off on the right track with a 95-87 win over Phoenix as the season-ending Philippine Cup got underway Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Sophomore Louie Sangalang and veterans Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo led the way as the Dyip took command late in the first half before widening the gap after the break to claim victory.
Sangalang scored 21 points while Pringle and Romeo dropped 17 apiece for Terrafirma, which is set to play its final conference in the league before completing the transfer of its franchise to Starhorse.
SCHEDULE: PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup 2025
The Dyip agreed to sell the franchise to the shipping company in late-February, needing only the approval of the PBA Board of Governors in order to complete the transaction.
The league has yet to decide on the matter.
Pringle’s three to end the second quarter put Terrafirma up 49-43 at the break before Romeo dropped all of his points after the break as the lead ballooned to a high of 23 in the fourth quarter.
READ; PBA rookie Louie Sangalang living the dream, embracing the challenge
Sangalang also had eight rebounds, four steals and two blocks to also key Terrafirma’s takeover in the second half.
Rookie Kai Ballungay had 30 points and 15 rebounds but Phoenix couldn’t get the conference off on a winning note.
Ballungay carried much of the load for the Fuel Masters in the absence of Jason Perkins, who was nursing an injury.
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Phoenix led 36-28 in the second before Terrafirma came back.
