Terrafirma Dyip, decimated the last time out, dusted their feet and took down the NLEX Road Warriors next to go into the winning track in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup
Terrafirma quickly learned its lesson the last time out, stunning NLEX, 97-91, to barge into the win column in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Sunday, Oct. 12.
Crushed by Blackwater, 87-107, in their first outing just two days ago, the Dyip did the damage in the middle quarters to emerge victorious this time.
JM Bravo led Terrafirma with a near double-double of 18 points and eight rebounds, earning him the Player of the Game honors.
Former Magnolia stalwart Jerrick Ahanmisi backed him up with 14 markers, including a crucial basket down the stretch that fended off NLEX's comeback attempt.
Paolo Hernandez turned in an all-around game of 13 points, seven rebounds and six steals, Ahmad Hanapi also scored 13, while Mark Sangalang contributed 11 points and seven boards.
Mark Nonoy also shone with six points, 13 assists and seven boards.
The Road Warriors, missing the services of Robert Bolick, who was given time by the team to mourn the death of his father, failed to follow up on their 85-84 shocker over defending champion San Miguel in their opening game.
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Terrafirma will shoot for its second straight triumph when it clashes with Converge at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate on Oct. 22.
Game time is at 5:15 p.m.
NLEX will aim to bounce back against Phoenix in the 7:30 p.m. mainer, where Bolick is expected to rejoin the team.
NLEX vs. Terrafirma Scores:
TERRAFIRMA 97 – Bravo 18, Ahanmisi 14, Hernandez 13, Hanapi 13, Sangalang 11, Paraiso 6, Nonoy 6, Olivario 5, Rivero 4, Zaldivar 3, Garcia 2, Catapusan 2
NLEX 91 – Bahio 14, Torres 14, Ramirez 13, Policarpio 13, Semerad 12, Alas 7, Valdez 6, Amer 5, Nieto 3, Herndon 3, Marcelo 1, Rodger 0
Quarterscores: 24-24, 46-41, 74-62, 97-91
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Kristina Villanueva is a sports journalist who is passionate about telling the stories of athletes on and off the court.
She believes that the greatness of these sportsmen begins not in the presence of loud cheers of spectators nor under the bright lights of the grandest stage, but in the quietness of their hard work behind the scenes and their dedication to get better in the pursuit of their dreams.
Kristina previously wrote for Sports Digest, Manila Bulletin's monthly sports magazine, The Philippine Star and Sportskeeda. She graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Santo Tomas.