Lam's clutch basket caps Pandas comeback against Dyip

Macau completed another impressive comeback, erasing a 15-point deficit to stun Terrafirma, 96-92, and claim its second straight victory in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Giant Pandas closed the game with a decisive 6-0 run, improving to 2-4 in Group A behind timely plays from Kobey Lam and Damian Chongqui in the final seconds.

With the score tied at 92, Jenning Leung came up with a crucial steal that triggered a fastbreak opportunity. Lam absorbed contact from Brent Paraiso and converted the go-ahead basket with 10.2 seconds remaining to give Macau a 94-92 lead.

Lam missed the ensuing free throw but chased down the offensive rebound before finding Chongqui, who calmly sank two free throws with 4.1 seconds left to seal the victory. Terrafirma's final chance disappeared when Juami Tiongson missed a desperation four-point attempt at the buzzer.

Macau head coach Marcus Elliott said the victory was an important step in the team's playoff push.

"We knew that this was one of the games that if we're gonna make the playoffs, we have to get these next few games," Elliott said.

"It's big for our confidence. We got another week off before we play again, so now it's just trying to keep our stuff fine-tuned."

Import De'Vondre Perry powered the Giant Pandas with 34 points and 14 rebounds, while Chongqui overcame a leg injury to finish with 29 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter. Lam added 12 points in the winning effort.

Terrafirma looked on track to secure back-to-back wins after Justin Strings converted a hook shot for a 92-90 lead. However, the Dyip went scoreless the rest of the way as Macau finished the game with six unanswered points.

Strings matched Perry with 34 points and added eight rebounds, while Maverick Ahanmisi nearly posted a triple-double with 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Tiongson chipped in 15 points.

Both teams now sit at 2-4 entering the second round of Group A play. Macau returns to action against Titan Ultra on August 4, while Terrafirma faces league-leading NLEX on August 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.