Titan Ultra earned its second victory in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup on Tuesday, surviving a determined comeback from the Macau Giant Pandas for a hard-fought 132-128 triumph at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The win improved the Giant Risers to a 2-5 record in Group A and provided a much-needed response after consecutive defeats, including a previous loss to Macau and another setback against San Miguel.
While Titan Ultra controlled most of the contest, the closing minutes tested the team’s composure as the Giant Pandas threatened to erase what was once a massive lead.
Titan Ultra wasted no time asserting itself, building an early cushion before stretching the advantage to 66-37, its biggest lead of the night at 29 points. The Giant Risers dictated the tempo on both ends of the floor and appeared headed for a comfortable victory.
Macau, however, refused to go away as the Giant Pandas chipped away at the deficit throughout the second half, eventually pulling within 124-116 with just under five minutes remaining.
The pressure intensified after Titan Ultra lost big man Mark Omega, who had to be stretchered off the court following an awkward fall early in the fourth period.
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Despite the setback, Titan Ultra leaned on import Tirrell Brown II, who delivered when his team needed him most.
Brown poured in 16 of his game-high 36 points in the final quarter to prevent Macau from completing its comeback. He also finished with 10 rebounds, seven assists, and a steal in 37 minutes of action.
Macau continued to threaten behind import De’Vondre Perry, whose outstanding individual performance kept his team within striking distance. Perry finished with 45 points, 14 rebounds, and one assist, trimming the gap to just seven points with 2:45 remaining.
But every time the Giant Pandas appeared ready to make one final push, Brown and the Giant Risers had an answer, allowing Titan Ultra to escape with the four-point victory.
“We started strong, especially in the first quarter, then what happened to us, I think we relaxed a bit in the last minute of the second quarter, which is I know Macau will come back,” Titan Ultra head coach Rensy Bajar said.
Brown anchored the offense throughout the night, while Joshua Munzon provided steady support with 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists to help secure the win.
“That’s what I was telling them also in the huddle. The players just stuck together, especially since the second group was playing well,” Bajar added.
With the victory, Titan Ultra improved to 2-5 in the Group A standings and gained a valuable confidence boost heading into another difficult assignment.
The Giant Risers now turn their attention to TNT Tropang 5G, who hold a 3-3 record and sit third in the Group A standings. The two teams are scheduled to meet on Saturday, August 6, as Titan Ultra looks to build on its breakthrough performance and continue climbing the standings.
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