Calvin Abueva rallied Titan Ultra back from a double-digit deficit to edge Terrafirma, 111-108, that kept itself within striking distance in the quarterfinal race of the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Abueva scored the go-ahead basket with a minute left, then swatted a Jerrick Ahanmisi jumper before making an outlet pass for Joshua Munzon to put the Giant Risers ahead 109-106 after being down by 15 in the second period.
Titan Ultra later heaved a sigh of relief as Ahanmisi’s attempt at a game-tying three rolled out before time expired.
The Giant Risers improved to 3-6 for ninth spot, trailing Meralco and Barangay Ginebra with identical 3-4 slates.
Abueva finished with 20 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocks while Munzon topscored for Titan with 21.
Von Pessumal added 12 before he takes a break from PBA duties to represent Gilas Pilipinas in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
Terrafirma dropped to 1-7 after suffering its sixth consecutive defeat and squandering a 37-22 lead in the first half.
Jerrick Ahanmisi had 20 points while Mark Nonoy had 18 for the Dyip.