The Terrafirma Dyip pulled off one of their biggest wins of the PBA Governors’ Cup, overcoming the previously unbeaten NLEX Road Warriors, 114-109, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The victory was made even more impressive by the way Terrafirma finished the game. After trailing 109-105 with just 3:11 remaining, the Dyip responded with a crucial late-game run to complete the comeback and end NLEX’s six-game winning streak.
Veteran guard Maverick Ahanmisi was at the center of Terrafirma’s decisive plays, earning Player of the Game honors for his all-around contribution.
Terrafirma Finally Gets Over the Hump
Terrafirma coach Ronald Tubid admitted that his team may have benefited from a little luck, but emphasized how badly the Dyip wanted to secure the victory.
“Siguro this game s’werte kami kasi we really, really want it,” said Tubid.
The Dyip entered the game with a 2-4 record, but their previous losses had been extremely close. Terrafirma had fallen by no more than five points in those defeats, including a heartbreaking 100-101 loss to NLEX on July 12, when the Road Warriors escaped with the victory.
For Tubid, the challenge was to make sure his players maintained their energy and execution until the final buzzer.
“Last few games medyo bitin ‘yung energy saka endgame, du’n bumibigay. So, this game pre-game pa lang sinabihan na namin na makaka-matchup kami sa NLEX although they are 6 and 0,” Tubid explained.
He also stressed the importance of competing on every possession.
“Pero matchup-wise makaka-matchup kami so all we need to do is compete every possession, so ayun.”
That mentality proved crucial at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, particularly during the final minutes.
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Maverick Ahanmisi Takes Charge
Ahanmisi delivered when Terrafirma needed him most.
The veteran guard finished with 16 points, 10 assists, three rebounds, and three steals, providing the Dyip with scoring, playmaking, and defensive energy throughout the contest.
But his biggest impact came during the closing stretch.
NLEX had built a 109-105 lead after JB Bahio knocked down a baseline jumper with 3:11 remaining. With the Road Warriors seemingly in position to protect their perfect record, Terrafirma needed something special.
Ahanmisi provided it.
The NLEX offense, which had been running smoothly for much of the contest, suddenly became unsettled. Ahanmisi took advantage of the opening, first finding Geo Chiu for a left-handed layup.
Then came an even bigger play.
Ahanmisi came up with a steal off Schonny Winston and immediately turned defense into offense, once again feeding Chiu for the equalizing basket.
Those plays helped completely change the game’s momentum.
Terrafirma Finishes With a 9-0 Run
With the score tied, Terrafirma continued to apply pressure.
Brent Paraiso came through with a crucial layup before converting two free throws after securing an offensive rebound. His effort put the Dyip ahead, 113-109.
Ahanmisi then helped seal the victory at the free-throw line, giving Terrafirma enough cushion to close out the game.
The Dyip finished the contest on a 9-0 run, turning a four-point deficit into a five-point victory.
It was exactly the kind of late-game execution Tubid had been looking for from his team.
Justin Strings Leads the Scoring
While Ahanmisi controlled the game with his playmaking and defensive contributions, Justin Strings led Terrafirma’s scoring attack with 28 points.
Strings also contributed 11 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks, giving the Dyip a strong inside-outside presence.
Juami Tiongson added 20 points, while Paraiso scored 18. JM Bravo chipped in 16 points, giving Terrafirma several reliable offensive options.
The balanced attack allowed the Dyip to stay within striking distance even when NLEX appeared to have control of the game.
NLEX Suffers a Heartbreaking Defeat
For NLEX, the loss was painful for more than just ending its impressive winning streak.
The Road Warriors had entered the game with a 6-0 record and looked ready to extend that mark after building a seven-point lead, 69-62, during the third quarter.
They also had the four-point advantage late in the fourth period.
But Terrafirma’s pressure changed the complexion of the game.
NLEX was led by Robert Bolick and JB Bahio, who scored 20 points each. Bahio also grabbed 16 rebounds. DeQuan Jones added 19 points, while Winston finished with 16 and LJ Gonzales contributed 15.
Despite those strong individual performances, NLEX could not generate enough offense during the decisive final minutes.
A Big Step Forward for Terrafirma
The 114-109 victory improved Terrafirma to 3-4 in the Governors’ Cup and gave the Dyip a much-needed confidence boost.
More importantly, the win showed that Terrafirma could finally close out a tight game against a strong opponent.
After losing their previous meeting with NLEX by just one point, the Dyip turned the tables at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
With Ahanmisi making the crucial plays, Strings leading the scoring, and Terrafirma maintaining its composure down the stretch, the Dyip produced a memorable comeback.
NLEX may have entered the game undefeated, but Terrafirma showed that records do not matter once the ball is tipped—and that competing until the final possession can make all the difference.
Final Score
Terrafirma Dyip – 114
Justin Strings 28, Juami Tiongson 20, Brent Paraiso 18, JM Bravo 16, Maverick Ahanmisi 16
NLEX Road Warriors – 109
Robert Bolick 20, JB Bahio 20, DeQuan Jones 19, Schonny Winston 16, LJ Gonzales 15
Quarter Scores: 34-30, 60-65, 88-86, 114-109
Player of the Game: Maverick Ahanmisi — 16 points, 10 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals
The win at Ninoy Aquino Stadium gave Terrafirma a much-needed breakthrough, while Ahanmisi’s late-game playmaking proved to be one of the biggest differences in a thrilling 114-109 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors.
