Terrafirma finally ended its long run of futility by edging NLEX in overtime, 124-114, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Lester Prosper and Alex Cabagnot came through in the extra period, helping the Dyip snap their 25-game losing skid — the second-worst in league history, just four shy of the record — that dated back from last season’s Governors’ Cup.
“Nasira na ‘yung sumpa,” said coach Johnedel Cardel. “Overtime, sabi ko, binibigay yung game para sa amin so let’s make effort, just play your game, just play like you did in the first and second and third quarter, mananalo tayo.”
Prosper turned in a career-high 50 points and 19 rebounds, while Cabagnot chimed in eight markers, 10 rebounds, and six dimes as their veteran presence proved to be the difference in breaking the months-long curse.
The two joined hands for the 8-0 run for the 120-112 lead with 2:47 left, and Cabagnot went on to help out in applying the final touches by feeding Andreas Cahilig for four straight. Terrafirma closed the game out with a 14-4 run.
“I felt that everybody was coming together, the chemistry coming together. I wish we had a little more time but obviously, we don’t. But this is good. We’re doing this here now, and we’re coming together now,” Prosper said.
Juami Tiongson provided 18 points. Eric Camson had 15 points, while Gelo Alolino added 10 in also their first win of the conference.
Toting a 1-9 record, Terrafirma will look to end the tourney strongly versus San Miguel Beer and Phoenix Super LPG next week.
“Maybe we can get one on San Miguel, and the last game is Phoenix … I think this win will carry us for our last two games,” said Cardel.
NLEX, meanwhile, was led by the 45 points of Earl Clark in their fifth straight defeat that dragged the Road Warriors to 11th with a 3-7 card.
The team was without star guard Kevin Alas, who suffered an ankle injury in their previous game against Bay Area last week.
The Scores:
Terrafirma 124- Prosper 50, Tiongson 18, Camson 15, Alolino 10, Cabagnot 8, Ramos 7, Munzon 5, Cahilig 4, Gomez de Liano 3, Javelona 0.
NLEX 114 – Clark 45, Trollano 26, Ganuelas-Rosser 22, Rosales 12, Nieto 9, Paniamogan 0, Celda 0, Miranda 0, Chua 0, Varilla 0.
Quarterscores: 40-30, 68-54, 93-85, 110-110, 124-114 (OT)
