Manila: Terrafirma ended NLEX's six-game win streak, scoring an upset 114-109 win Friday in the PBA Governors' Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. Maverick Ahanmisi, Geo Chiu, and Brent Paraiso orchestrated a crucial 9-0 run in the final minutes, helping Terrafirma secure their third win in seven games and tie Converge for fourth place in Group A.
According to Philippines News Agency, Terrafirma coach Ronald Tubid expressed relief and joy over the victory. "Siguro (Probably) this game swerte kami kasi (we were lucky because) we really, really want it," Tubid said. Terrafirma's earlier losses were narrow, with the closest being a one-point defeat to NLEX in their initial meeting on July 12.
'Last few games medyo bitin 'yung energy saka endgame, du'n bumibigay (we lacked energy and we fold up in the endgame). So, this game pre-game pa lang sinabihan na namin na makaka-matchup kami sa (by pre-game I already told them we should match up with) NLEX although they are 6 and 0,' Tubid added. 'Pero matchup-wise, makaka-matchup kami (But we can match up) so all we need to do is compete every possession.'
It was a heartbreaker for NLEX, who led 69-62 in the third period and maintained a 109-105 lead following a JB Bahio baseline jumper with 3:11 remaining. However, NLEX's offense faltered, allowing Ahanmisi to capitalize. Ahanmisi's dynamic play included finding Chiu for a crucial layup and then assisting another equalizing basket, following a steal from Schonny Winston.
Paraiso then stepped up, scoring on a layup and converting an offensive rebound into two free throws, creating a 113-109 lead. Ahanmisi sealed the victory with a free throw, leaving only 2.9 seconds on the clock.
Justin Strings led all scorers with 28 points and 11 rebounds, with Juami Tiongson contributing 20 points and Paraiso 18 points. Ahanmisi recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists, while Chiu collected 12 rebounds alongside his eight points.
NLEX was led by Robert Bolick and Bahio, each scoring 20 points, with Bahio also grabbing a career-high 16 rebounds. DeQuan Jones added 19 points but was limited to four points in the second half. Winston and LJay Gonzales contributed 16 and 15 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, the second game between Magnolia and Meralco faced a delay of about an hour due to a roof leak caused by continuous rain. The Hotshots were ahead, 71-70, after the third quarter when the game was paused.
