Brandon Ramirez, who dislocated his jaw in NLEX's match against Ginebra a week ago, was undeterred as he powered the Road Warriors against Terrafirma.
Brandon Ramirez grimaced in pain, holding his jaw together as he made his way to the dugout at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
That was a week ago.
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On Wednesday, May 14, Ramirez bucked a dislocated jaw to score a career-high in points as NLEX flattened Terrafirma, 117-87, in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the same venue.
Ramirez fired 21 points, punctuated by a breakaway dunk with 1:29 remaining in the match as the Road Warriors zoomed to a fifth straight win for a 5-1 mark.
His 10 points in the team's 33-16 headstart helped set the tone for the lopsided win.
Though there wasn't any fracture in his jaw, Ramirez revealed he is still in pain.
“Coach allowed me to rest for a couple of days just to get the swelling down. I think this is the first day that I’m able to chew. Now I can bite on metal to get it better,” he said with a hearty laugh.
NLEX chief tactician Jong Uichico could not help but be pleased with his ward’s fighting spirit.
“I’m happy for Brandon. He deserves to be Player of the Game today. He played very well,” Uichico said.
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But the multi-titled mentor was also quick to give the rest of his charges a shoutout for their effort on both ends of the floor throughout.
JB Bahio turned in a double-double output of 17 points and 10 rebounds he spiked with four assists and a block. Robbie Herndon fired 15 markers and grabbed five boards, while Javee Mocon wound up with 13 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Every Road Warrior who saw action made a field goal.
“Everybody played well. Everybody was in the right mindset during the course of the game,” said Uichico.
While NLEX is on the rise, the Dyip continued skidding to a sixth straight loss in seven games.
Kevin Ferrer paced Terrafirma with 23 points built on six triples, but that hardly made a difference.
Louie Sangalang had an impressive 15 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, but turned the ball over six times.
NLEX vs Terrafirma Scores:
NLEX 117 – Ramirez 21, Bahio 17, Herndon 15, Mocon 13, Alas 9, Valdez 9, Amer 7, Miranda 6, Semerad 6, Torres 6, Nieto 3, Bolick 3, Fajardo 2.
TERRAFIRMA 87 – Ferrer 23, Sangalang 15, Nonoy 11, Paraiso 10, Zaldivar 8, Pringle 7, Melecio 5, Catapusan 4, Ramos 4, Hernandez 0, Hanapi 0, Olivario 0.
Quarterscores: 33-16, 63-44, 87-70, 117-87.