Macau Giant Pandas Complete Stunning Comeback For First Governors Cup Victory

Macau Giant Pandas battled back from a 19-point second-half deficit to stun the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 131-126, and secure their first victory in the PBA Governors’ Cup. Powered by De’Vondre Perry’s dominant double-double, Ramon Cao’s clutch free throws, and a balanced scoring effort from six players in double figures, Macau completed an impressive comeback after trailing for most of the game, giving the team a much-needed breakthrough win to improve its tournament campaign.

Giant Pandas break through, take down Titan Ultra © (PBA Images) — Giant Pandas break through, take down Titan Ultra-photo file PBA

MANILA, Philippines — The Macau Giant Pandas finally entered the win column in the PBA Governors’ Cup after pulling off a remarkable comeback against the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, escaping with a thrilling 131-126 victory on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The victory was a huge confidence booster for Macau, which had struggled through its first four games of the tournament. After suffering four straight defeats, the Giant Pandas refused to let another game slip away despite facing a massive 19-point deficit early in the second half. Their determination, improved defense, and balanced scoring eventually turned the game around and gave them their first win of the season.

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The Giant Pandas looked overwhelmed during the opening half as Titan dominated both ends of the floor. The Giant Risers were quicker on loose balls, controlled the rebounds, and converted their outside shots, allowing them to build a comfortable advantage.

Titan continued its strong performance after halftime and stretched its lead to 70-51 early in the third quarter following a three-pointer by Fran Yu. At that point, it appeared that the Giant Risers were on their way to another convincing victory as Macau struggled to slow down Titan’s offense.

However, the momentum slowly shifted as Macau found its rhythm offensively. The Giant Pandas began attacking the basket more aggressively while tightening their defense, forcing Titan into tougher shots and several costly mistakes.

Leading the charge was import De’Vondre Perry, who delivered one of the most efficient performances of the tournament. Perry finished with 32 points after making 12 of his 15 field goal attempts. He also dominated the boards with 22 rebounds while contributing five assists, proving to be the cornerstone of Macau’s comeback.

Perry consistently made the right decisions throughout the game. Whether scoring inside the paint, grabbing offensive rebounds, or finding open teammates, he gave Macau the steady presence it needed during the crucial moments.

Ramon Cao also played a major role in the victory with 28 points and 13 rebounds. He stayed composed during the closing minutes and calmly converted eight consecutive free throws that ultimately sealed the win for the Giant Pandas after Titan threatened to regain control.

Off the bench, Jenning Leung provided an outstanding all-around performance with 22 points, seven assists, four steals, three rebounds, and one blocked shot. His energy sparked Macau’s offense during the second half, and his timely three-pointer late in the third quarter pushed the Giant Pandas ahead, 95-94, entering the final period.

Damian Chong Qui also contributed valuable production by scoring 19 points, giving Macau another reliable offensive weapon as the team placed six players in double figures.

Macau head coach Marcus Elliott admitted that his team was far from its best during the first half. He acknowledged that Titan simply outworked them and challenged his players during halftime to respond with greater effort and intensity.

The message clearly reached the players, as Macau returned from the locker room with renewed energy. Instead of forcing difficult shots, they moved the ball better, shared scoring responsibilities, and increased their defensive pressure.

Their balanced attack became one of the biggest reasons behind the victory. Rather than depending on just one player, multiple Giant Pandas stepped up at different points of the game, making it difficult for Titan to contain their offense.

Macau finally grabbed control in the fourth quarter and appeared ready to finish the comeback after Perry scored on a layup that extended the lead to 116-108 with 6:38 remaining.

Still, Titan refused to surrender.

Joshua Munzon led the Giant Risers’ late rally and scored key baskets that helped his team regain a slim 120-119 lead with less than two minutes left in regulation. The comeback by Titan briefly shifted the momentum once again and created an exciting finish.

But Macau remained composed under pressure.

Instead of rushing their possessions, the Giant Pandas attacked the basket and forced Titan to foul. Cao responded by knocking down eight straight free throws, stretching Macau’s lead to 127-120 and putting the game out of reach.

Titan attempted one final comeback by drawing four-point shot fouls, but the Giant Risers failed to take advantage of those opportunities. Missed chances in the closing seconds prevented them from overcoming Macau’s late surge.

Tirrell Brown II once again carried much of the offensive load for Titan, finishing with an impressive stat line of 30 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocked shots. Despite his outstanding individual performance, it was not enough to stop Macau’s second-half rally.

Munzon added 19 points for the Giant Risers and nearly rescued the game during the closing minutes, while Fran Yu chipped in 17 points after helping Titan build its largest lead early in the second half.

The defeat was a painful one for Titan, especially after controlling much of the contest and holding a 19-point advantage. Defensive lapses, missed opportunities, and Macau’s relentless pressure allowed the Giant Pandas to completely reverse the outcome.

For Macau, the victory improved its record to 1-4 and provided renewed hope as the tournament continues. While there is still plenty of work ahead, the Giant Pandas showed they have the ability to compete with the league’s stronger teams when they play with energy, discipline, and teamwork.

Their dramatic comeback could become the turning point of their campaign, proving that no deficit is too large when a team refuses to give up. With confidence finally on their side, Macau will look to build on its breakthrough victory and carry the momentum into its upcoming games in the PBA Governors’ Cup. / aptikons