For a change, Terrafirma began a conference victoriously after dealing Titan Ultra a sound 112-82 beating to start off the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Wednesday evening.
Taking on a team that’s become younger by trading Calvin Abueva, the Dyip took control in the middle quarters en route to winning a tournament opener for the first time since the Season 49 Philippine Cup versus Phoenix last April 4.
After racing to a 12-point edge at the half, the charges of Coach Ronald Tubid pressed their foot on the gas further in the third. They erupted for 37 big points for an 89-62 advantage that left the Giant Risers reeling, never to recover.
(C) PBA Images
“Last conference kasi, less than a month lang ‘yung preparation namin, ngayon medyo maaga kami nag-start. Masaya kasi ‘yung work na inano namin sa system namin, nakikita namin ngayon,” Tubid reflected on their winning start.
“Pero we need to polish it pa, much better na ma-polish pa namin para makita namin kung hanggang saan talaga ‘yung team na ‘to,” he added.
Import Mubashar Ali made a good account of himself in his PBA debut as the 7-footer led Terrafirma with 27 points — spiked by four treys —and 11 rebounds.
Jerrick Ahanmisi finished with 26 points, seven assists, and five steals to help lead the Dyip to their first win since pulling off a 97-91 victory over NLEX back in the Season 50 Philippine Cup last October 12 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Days removed from winning two Skills Challenge titles during the PBA All-Star festivities in Candon City, Ahanmisi poured 17 of his points in the third canto. There, he presided over the massive assault that put the game away for good.
Joseph Eriobu, seemingly playing with a chip on his shoulder after being traded away by Magnolia while he was reporting for duty with Gilas 3×3 in the recent SEA Games, came through with 17 points and seven rebounds.
Paolo Hernandez supplied 15 points and a quartet of dimes for a team that also received a good contribution from debuting rookie Geo Chiu.
The no. 1 overall pick of the Season 50 Draft wasn’t able to hit a field goal but finished with six points and a game-high 14 rebounds in 26 minutes of play.
After posting their biggest win in franchise history, Terrafirma will look to take another win when it faces a souped-up Converge side this Saturday, March 14, at the Ynares Center II in Montalban, Rizal.
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Michael Gilmore led Titan Ultra with 33 points and 13 rebounds.
Joshua Munzon was his lone backup with 32 points in the loss that also spoiled the debut of Rensy Bajar as the young franchise’s new head coach after John Cardel.
The Scores:
Terrafirma 112 – Mubashar 27, J.Ahanmisi 26, Eriobu 17, Hernandez 15, Chiu 6, Hanapi 5, Bravo 4, M.Ahanmisi 3, Umali 3, Zaldivar 2, Garcia 2, Adamos 2, Catapusan 0.
Titan Ultra 82 – Gilmore 33, Munzon 32, Balanza 6, Dionisio 3, Sajonia 2, Flores 2, Javillonar 2, Ular 2, Yu 0, Melecio 0, Ambohot 0, Omega 0, Caralipio 0, Cuntapay 0, Pessumal 0.
Quarterscores: 26-23, 52-40, 89-62, 112-82.
