Titan Ultra gets payback, outlasts Macau in 260-point shootout

Titan Ultra avenged its earlier loss to Macau, surviving a late comeback to notch a 132-128 victory in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors' Cup on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Giant Risers bounced back from their heartbreaking first-round defeat to the Giant Pandas on July 25 by building a huge early lead before holding off Macau's furious rally to improve to 2-5 in Group A.

Titan Ultra wasted no time taking control, exploding for 47 points in the opening quarter to open an 18-point advantage before stretching the margin to 80-60 at halftime. The lead ballooned to as many as 25 points, but Macau gradually chipped away at the deficit and pulled within striking distance in the closing minutes.

Import Tirrell Brown delivered the dagger when the Giant Risers needed it most, knocking down a crucial three-pointer with 12.6 seconds remaining to extend Titan Ultra's lead to 132-124 and put the game out of reach.

"We started strong, especially in the first quarter," Titan Ultra head coach Rensy Bajar said.

"Ang nangyari lang sa amin, I think, we relaxed a bit."

"But nag-stick together lang 'yung mga bata, lalong-lalo na ang ganda ng nilaro ng second group namin. We had 57 points off the bench, which really helped us. Kailangan lang namin is consistent defense."

Brown flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists to lead Titan Ultra.

Joshua Munzon added 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Roi Sumang chipped in 14 points and five rebounds. Rookie Bryan Sajonia contributed 13 points as the Giant Risers' bench accounted for 57 points.

The victory was tempered by the injury to Mark Omega, who landed awkwardly on his back while battling for a rebound midway through the fourth quarter and had to be stretchered off the floor.

"Hindi ko pa alam kung anong sinabi ng PT namin, but we just pray. Alam naman namin kung gaano kasama 'yung bagsak niya," Bajar said.

"Pinag-pray lang talaga namin siya kanina na sana walang serious na mangyari."

Macau was led by De'Vondre Perry, who erupted for a game-high 45 points and 14 rebounds. Ramon Cao added 24 points and 12 rebounds, Damian Chongqui tallied 18 points and nine assists, Jeffrey Ma posted 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Kobey Lam contributed 14 points.

Titan Ultra also limited Jenning Leung to seven points after the guard scored 22 in the teams' first meeting.

Both squads now own identical 2-5 records in Group A. Titan Ultra will face defending champion TNT on Saturday at Ynares Center II in Montalban, while Macau takes on San Miguel Beer in its next outing.