MANILA, Philippines — Damian Chong Qui scored 29 points as the Macau Giant Pandas erased a 15-point deficit to beat Terrafirma, 96-92, Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium and secure their second straight win in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Chong Qui, who stands at 5-foot-8, delivered key plays late as Macau rallied from a 92-90 deficit. De’Vondre Perry tied the game before Maverick Ahanmisi committed a costly turnover that allowed Jenning Leung to find Kobey Lam for a go-ahead layup.
Chong Qui then sank two free throws to give Macau a 96-92 lead. Terrafirma’s Juami Tiongson missed a four-point attempt that could have tied the game.
The victory moved Macau to 2-4 in Group A, level with Terrafirma in fifth place heading into the second round.
“I’m blessed to be able to wake up every day to play in the Philippines in the PBA or anywhere in the world,” Chong Qui said. “So if I still got breath in my lungs, I’m going to play.”
Macau entered the game after ending an 0-4 start with a 132-126 comeback victory over Titan Ultra in Antipolo. The Giant Pandas also rallied from a double-digit deficit in that game.
Chong Qui said the consecutive comeback wins showed Macau could compete despite its difficult start.
“It just shows that we got heart and that we are out there competing every night,” he said. “And it shows that we got what it takes to compete in this league.”
Chong Qui played through a thigh contusion that coach Marcus Elliott said affected him during the game.
Terrafirma took control early Wednesday, building a 37-22 lead in the second quarter. The Dyip later regained a 92-90 advantage through import Justin Strings, who scored 34 points.
Perry also finished with 34 points and scored the tying basket with less than a minute remaining before Macau completed its late rally.
Terrafirma fell to 2-4 after failing to build on its 111-106 overtime upset of TNT last Saturday.
Macau will enter the second round with momentum after winning two consecutive games following its four-game losing start.
