The Titan Ultra Giant Risers were in need of a slumpbuster in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. Three losses in as many games hurts enough, but that all defeats were blowouts only adds salt to the wounds of the league’s “newest” franchise. A victory was on the horizon, but it needed to come quickly because going 0-4 would have been a deeper hole to climb out of. 

That being said, it was great to see the Giant Risers produce a breakthrough victory over a perennial contender. 

By all accounts, this was a signature win for Titan Ultra, who had never beaten the TNT Tropang 5G. Sure, the Tropang 5G were quite undermanned, but to secure the 103-87 victory over them and even hold a lead as large as 22 points is not something to take lightly. With TNT lacking healthy bodies, the Giant Risers were wise to push the pace and frustrate the Tropang 5G in more ways than one. 

For a young team with nothing to lose, a quick and disruptive approach is what Titan Ultra needs to be able to sneak up on teams. Other squads have more talent on paper, but catch these teams on their worst nights and the playing field gets even. The Giant Risers were able to capitalize on that and there will likely be opportunities for that in the coming games. The San Miguel Beermen don’t have June Mar Fajardo at 100 percent and even with the dynamic George King, the Beermen are a cold shooting night away from some danger. The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are navigating a midseason break that saw them lose Gian Mamuyac once the Governors’ Cup began and the disruption may have also factored into their slow start. 

As they navigate through the rest of the conference, import Tirell Brown will be key going forward. Brown has been able to set the tone in how he isn’t afraid to back down against pressure defense and has had no problems finding teammates when opportunities open up. The Governors’ Cup is the perfect place for him to tower over the local players while also using his heft to get around his peers. 

Then again, Brown could be on a short leash and the rest of the league could get healthier. It could spell trouble for Titan Ultra, but getting their confidence and settling down on both ends of the floor should make them one of the more competitive teams in the Governors’ Cup. 

For now, though, the Titan Ultra Giant Risers can take pride in pulling off a solid victory against one of the PBA’s best teams. It’s a confidence builder, and if used well, can be the start of their best campaign in their young life as a league franchise.