Terrafirma believed it could win, and so it did.
The Dyip, now under rookie coach Ronald Tubid, picked up their first victory via a stunner against Robert Bolick-less NLEX, 97-91, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Sunday, Oct. 12.
Tubid, who took over the coaching reins from Raymond Tiongco in late August, said that it was just about reminding his wards of their capability to win games.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Terrafirma shocks still Robert Bolick-less NLEX for first win]
"Sa first game namin, 'yong mga bata is so excited. They know na kaya nila. So credit to our coaches, kasi [we encouraged] ang mga bata. Sabi namin, once malaman ng mga bata na kaya nilang manalo. Tyinaga naming talaga," said Tubid, whose squad absorbed an 87-107 beatdown from Blackwater in their opening game.
"As coaches, pinilit namin ang mga bata. Although we're undersized, as long as we compete, may chance tayong manalo."
Rookie JM Bravo shines
Tied at 24-all after the first quarter, Terrafirma revved it up in the middle periods, outgunning the Road Warriors, 50-38, there for a 74-62 lead at the end of the third.
Dyip newbie JM Bravo accounted for 14 points in that span, before teaming up with former Magnolia stalwart Jerrick Ahanmisi and Mark Sangalang in the fourth canto to thwart the Road Warriors as they tried to stage a comeback.
JM Bravo knocks down three three-pointers for the Terrafirma Dyip. | Photo: PBA
"We know this is a very young team; as coaches also. 'Yong team na 'to fast-track, eh. Ang preparations namin, almost a month lang," said Tubid.
"Tinitiyaga namin. Kung saan kami strong, doon lang kami. Ipinapaalala namin na as long as we compete, may chance manalo talaga," he repeated.
[WATCH: Terrafirma takes win No. 1 vs. Bolick-less NLEX | PBA Highlights]
Bravo was the star of the Terrafirma show as he produced near double-double numbers of 18 points and eight rebounds, worthy of the Player of the Game recognition.
Ahanmisi posted a second-best 14 markers, highlighted by his layup that halted the charging Road Warriors, 95-91, with 37 seconds left in the match.
Paolo Hernandez also shone with an all-around game of 13 points, seven rebounds and six steals, Ahmad Hanapi also scored 13, while Mark Sangalang chipped in 11 markers and seven boards.
Mark Nonoy orchestrated Terrafirma's offense with his 13 points on top of his six points and seven boards.
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NLEX, which still misses the services of its grieving star, Robert Bolick, drew double figures from five players, but they still fell short in repeating its huge win over San Miguel in its first assignment.
Bolick is expected to suit up for the Road Warriors for the first time this season when they face Phoenix on Oct. 22.
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.