It’s never easy to keep a positive outlook when the future looks bleak yet Terrafirma chooses to, perhaps to make what could be its last run worthwhile.
A team that could soon be under new management and carrying a whole different banner, the Dyip opened the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup with a 95-87 victory over Phoenix on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Staying positive lang. Gusto rin namin, kung mawawala na ‘yung Terrafirma, at least [may] winning streak din naman,” said acting head coach Raymond Tiongco. “So sinasabi ko sa kanila, stay positive sa season natin na ‘to.”
(C) PBA Images
Terrafirma has been on the news for weeks now after reportedly selling its PBA franchise to Starhorse Shipping Lines but the players and staff choose to stay at the present, with the veterans themselves leading by example.
Terrence Romeo, for one, had 17 points, 14 of which he made in the third alone to lead their charge toward a 79-59 lead. He then came through to repel a late-game rally that witnessed the Fuel Masters knock to within a decade.
Romeo nailed a trifecta to make it a 92-79 lead with 2:41 left, all but sealing the deal to help the team win back-to-back games for the first time this season after ending the last Commissioner’s Cup with a 117-18 win over TNT.
“For me, kailangan lang namin mag-focus sa kung ano yung moment namin right now. Nasa moment kami na we’re still Terrafirma, so kailangan namin ibigay ‘yung best namin every game for Terrafirma,” he offered.
Louie Sangalang top-scored for the Dyip with 21 points and eight rebounds as he was crucial in the first half, especially in their second-quarter reversal.
Stanley Pringle also had 17 points, including a buzzer-beating three to give themselves the 49-43 advantage entering the halftime break.
“Siyempre sa una talaga masho-shock ka eh,” admitted Tiongco of the development. “Pero sinabi ko nga sa kanila to stay positive. Sila, meron silang mga contracts, so ituloy lang nila. Dapat ibigay lang nila best nila.”
The Dyip will look to emulate their 2-0 start from the last Philippine Cup when they meet Meralco on Sunday, April 6, in the same battleground.
(C) PBA Images
Put to naught by the loss, meanwhile, was Kai Ballungay’s career night that saw the 6-foot-7 bruiser finish with 30 points and 15 rebounds.
It was a huge effort from the rookie forward especially late in the game as he powered the rally but costly turnovers hurt their chances.
It didn’t help their cause, too, that almost none outside of Ballungay provided support, with Raul Soyud the only other player in double figures with 11.
The Scores:
Terrafirma 95 – Sangalang 21, Pringle 17, Romeo 17, Hernandez 9, Catapusan 9, Melecio 8, Paraiso 6, Nonoy 4, Ramos 4, Zaldivar 0, Hanapi 0.
Phoenix 87 – Ballungay 30, Soyud 11, Salado 9, Tio 9, Alejandro 6, Garcia 4, Camacho 4, Ricero 3, Jazul 3, Manganti 2, Verano 2, Tuffin 2, Daves 2.
Quarterscores: 21-25, 49-43, 79-59, 95-87.
