Ever since joining the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in 2014, Terrafirma has never won a game versus Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
That finally changed, Friday.
The Dyip took down the Gin Kings through a 95-90 decision. This is their first win over the league powerhouse after losing all their previous 16 meetings.
“Wala akong masabi. This is a great game,” expressed head coach Johnedel Cardel, in awe that his team just beat the reigning champs.
It was, indeed, an inspired Terrafirma side that showed up at the DHVSU Gym. They were on fire from deep, which saw them bury a total of 17 triples.
According to league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III, they equaled their third all-time most threes in franchise history with such a performance.
Nine of those long bombs came from Juami Tiongson, who reset his career-high again by finishing with a game-best 31 points.
However, it wasn’t just the 30-year-old guard who made wonders. Eric Camson, Aldrech Ramos, and Rashawn McCarthy also did their part.
Photo by PBA Images
Then there’s also the tandem of Andreas Cahilig and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, who made key stops down the stretch to keep the Barangay at bay.
Photo by PBA Images
“As a team, kaya kami nanalo.
“It’s not only because of Juami. It’s because of all the players helping each other to win this game,” Cardel said.
Making the triumph even more memorable is that Terrafirma won in back-to-back fashion for the first time since the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup.
The Dyip are coming off a rousing victory over another giant in San Miguel Beer last Wednesday – their first in the 2021 Honda Philippine Cup after a 0-4 start.
Cardel has nothing but gratitude to his players and coaching staff for what they have accomplished over the last 48 hours.
“First of all, I want to give credit to all my players. Everyone, all 11 players playing here talagang gusto nila manalo. They worked hard.
“Second, yung coaches ko … They really work hard. Kahit madaling araw na, they scout the tapes. Gising pa sila,” he said.
Cardel recalled one of Ramos’ pep talks to the team, and he hopes that they will all remember what he had told them as they aim for more.
Photo by PBA Images
“Aldrech, kinausap niya ‘yung mga guys na pumunta tayo dito hindi para mag-bakasyon, pumunta tayo dito para manalo,” he shared.
“We have two wins. Sana magdire-diretso na kami.”
