Career game from Chiu lifts Dyip past Titan Ultra in Governors' Cup opener

Geo Chiu lived up to the expectations that come with being the No. 1 overall pick, delivering a career-best performance to power Terrafirma to a 113-100 victory over Titan Ultra in its Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors' Cup opener on Friday at the Ynares Center.

The rookie center dominated the paint with 19 points and a career-high 23 rebounds, stepping up in the absence of several key Dyip players. His commanding presence on both ends of the floor helped Terrafirma break away in the fourth quarter after a closely fought contest.

"Since we're missing some players, the mindset was simply to step up. Today, I was able to do that, but on any given day, my teammates are also capable of stepping up," Chiu said.

Chiu played a pivotal role in the Dyip's game-clinching 11-3 run late in the final period, helping stretch a narrow 96-91 lead to a comfortable 107-94 advantage with less than three minutes remaining.

Import Justin Strings also made an impressive PBA debut, finishing with 25 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. He capitalized on Titan Ultra's lack of an import after James Milton failed to obtain clearance in time for the season opener.

JM Bravo contributed 15 points and nine rebounds, Didat Hanapi added 14 points and seven boards, while Maverick Ahanmisi chipped in 11 points.

Juami Tiongson also marked his return to Terrafirma with a victory. Reacquired in an offseason trade with San Miguel Beer, the veteran guard came off the bench and scored 13 points in his first game back with the franchise.

"We're still adjusting because we have two new players. We're helping Juami and Chris get comfortable with the team," said head coach Ronald Tubid.

The victory gives Terrafirma an early boost as it heads into a quick turnaround against Jimmy Alapag-coached NLEX on Sunday at Ynares Center II in Montalban.

Titan Ultra, which played without an import, was led by Aris Dionisio with 21 points. Joshua Munzon added 15, while Pao Javillonar chipped in 11 in the losing effort.