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Tag: Terrafirma Dyip

  • Maverick Ahanmisi leads Terrafirma’s big escape, earns PBA Player of the Week

    Maverick Ahanmisi leads Terrafirma’s big escape, earns PBA Player of the Week

    Maverick Ahanmisi saved his best for the moment Terrafirma Dyip needed it most. 

     

    With the unbeaten NLEX Road Warriors threatening to hand Terrafirma another painful loss, the veteran guard helped spark a decisive late-game surge as the Dyip pulled off a 114-109 victory in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

     

    The win did more than end NLEX’s perfect six-game start. It breathed new life into Terrafirma’s playoff campaign, lifting the Dyip to a 3-4 record and into a share of fourth place in Group A with Converge FiberXers.

     

    Ahanmisi, helped orchestrate a 9-0 run in the final 2:07 to turn a five-point deficit into a statement victory.

     

    The veteran guard first found Geo Chiu for back-to-back assists, with a steal off Schonny Winston sandwiched between the two plays, allowing Terrafirma to erase NLEX’s advantage and tie the game at 109-all.

     

    Ahanmisi then made his impact felt on the other end as his defensive rebound created the opportunity for Brent Paraiso to bury the go-ahead basket with 1:09 remaining, putting Terrafirma in front for good.

     

    Paraiso followed with a big offensive rebound and two free throws, while Ahanmisi added a split from the line as the Dyip finally closed out a game that had been slipping away in similar situations throughout the conference.

     

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    The victory was especially satisfying after Terrafirma suffered a narrow 100-101 defeat to NLEX in Round 1.

     

    Ahanmisi finished the game with 16 points, 10 assists, three rebounds, and three steals, a stat line that reflected his influence on both ends of the floor.

     

    His performance earned him the PBA Player of the Week award for Aug. 4 to 8, beating out Magnolia’s Jerom Lastimosa, Blackwater’s Sedrick Barefield, teammate Paraiso, and San Miguel’s Don Trollano for the weekly honor.

     

    “I think it’s a learning process. Credit to the team for showing character and to the coaches, they made us do a lot of situational stuff in practice and I think that helped us,” Ahanmisi said.

     

    The award also underlines how steady Ahanmisi has been throughout the Governors’ Cup. He is averaging 16 points, 6.57 rebounds, and 7.71 assists per game, giving Terrafirma a reliable veteran presence as it battles for a place in the playoffs.

     

    More importantly, his latest performance came when the Dyip needed it most. Instead of allowing another close game to slip away, Terrafirma turned its late-game execution into the difference against the conference’s previously unbeaten team.

     

    Now, Ahanmisi and the Dyip have another crucial test, as they face the Converge FiberXers on Tuesday, August 11, at the Ynares Center, with both teams carrying identical 3-4 records in Group A.

     

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  • Terrafirma’s late fight shows promise, but Ronald Tubid wants Dyip to stop playing catch-up 

    Terrafirma’s late fight shows promise, but Ronald Tubid wants Dyip to stop playing catch-up 

    Terrafirma Dyip may be winless after two games in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, but head coach Ronald Tubid sees a team that has already shown it can compete.

     

    The problem, according to the veteran mentor, is that Terrafirma continues to put itself in difficult situations by waiting too long before showing its best basketball.

     

    The Dyip absorbed another heartbreaking setback on Wednesday, falling to the Converge FiberXers, 105-103, just days after opening their campaign with a 101-100 loss to NLEX. Both defeats came down to the final possessions, leaving Terrafirma searching for answers despite showing the ability to battle against stronger opponents.

     

    Against Converge, the Dyip found themselves trailing by double digits before mounting a furious comeback in the closing minutes. A 7-0 surge, highlighted by a Juami Tiongson three-pointer with just over a minute remaining, gave Terrafirma a chance to steal the game, but the FiberXers managed to survive the late scare.


    While the result added another loss to their record, Tubid focused on the positives, particularly his team’s resilience and belief that it can match up with the league’s best.

     

    “Sobrang maganda yun eh, yung culture na kaya. Kaya pala makipag-compete and may chance manalo. So lesson learned na hindi dapat yung laro pang third quarter or fourth quarter yung habol. Kailangan pag first quarter palang, ratsada na. Once we keep it close, may chance kami manalo,” he said.

     

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    For the nine-time PBA champion, the challenge now is turning that fighting spirit into a complete 48-minute effort. 

     

    Terrafirma has repeatedly shown it can recover from difficult positions, but digging out of large holes has made their path to victory much harder.

     

    “Like last game, kailangan namin mag-compete from first quarter to fourth quarter. Kasi second quarter, third quarter natatambakan kami. So kailangan namin maghabol so parang ang hirap,” Tubid said.

     

    “What’s better siguro sabi namin sa players, all we know is kaya naman natin eh. We play our A game every game. Pero no need to wait for third quarter kasi mahirap eh,” he added.

     

    The Dyip’s slow starts have become their biggest obstacle, especially in a conference where every possession matters and early deficits can quickly become difficult to erase. Tubid believes the same confidence his players display during their comeback attempts must appear from the opening tip.

     

    Despite the 0-2 record, Terrafirma remains encouraged by the fact that its losses have been decided by only a combined three points. The team now hopes to turn those near-misses into lessons as it prepares for an even tougher challenge against one of the league’s powerhouse squads.

     

    “Back to the drawing board again, back to zero against San Miguel. Hopefully hindi kami matambakan ulit bago mahabol,” he said.

     

    Terrafirma will look to secure its first win of the conference when it faces the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. 

     

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  • PBA sets stage for Season 50 Governors’ Cup with schedule release 

    PBA sets stage for Season 50 Governors’ Cup with schedule release 

    The PBA has officially released the schedule for the Season 50 Governors’ Cup, with the season-ending conference set to open on July 10 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo with a doubleheader.

    The opening game will feature Terrafirma taking on Titan Ultra at 5 p.m., with Justin Strings set to make his debut as Dyip’s new import.


    The main game will see the NLEX Road Warriors begin their campaign against the Macau Black Pandas, marking the franchise’s first official game under incoming head coach Jimmy Alapag.

     

    NLEX enters the Governors’ Cup looking for a strong bounce-back after a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup playoff exit. The Road Warriors finished as the top seed in the eliminations and held a twice-to-beat advantage but were eliminated by TNT in the quarterfinals.

     

    The action continues on July 11 at the Ynares Center in Montalban, where Blackwater faces Rain or Shine in the opening game before Phoenix battles Magnolia in the second match of another doubleheader.

     

    The following schedule at Montalban features NLEX against Titan Ultra in the first game, while Converge makes its conference debut against the same guest team in the second matchup.

     

    One of the biggest debuts of the tournament comes on July 14, when prolific import George King makes his first appearance for San Miguel Beer as the Beermen take on the Macau Black Pandas at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

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    Meanwhile, Meralco opens its Governors’ Cup campaign on July 13 against Phoenix at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The league’s two reigning champions will also begin their title bids on July 19 at the Big Dome. Defending Governors’ Cup champion TNT Tropang 5G starts its title defense against the Macau Black Pandas, while newly crowned Commissioner’s Cup champion Barangay Ginebra faces the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

     

    The Governors’ Cup is scheduled to run until October 21, making it the longest conference on the PBA calendar this season. After the games on August 14 featuring Converge vs. NLEX and Meralco vs. Barangay Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the league will take a break before resuming on October 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The return of action will feature NLEX against the Macau Black Pandas, followed by Terrafirma versus TNT.

     

    The September break will give way to the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, as Gilas Pilipinas Men prepare to represent the country in the continental competition.

     

    Gilas will aim to defend the gold medal won by the Philippines at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where the national team captured the country’s first men’s basketball gold in 61 years.

     

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  • Juami Tiongson returns to Terrafirma as San Miguel reloads with Jerrick Ahanmisi in blockbuster trade 

    Juami Tiongson returns to Terrafirma as San Miguel reloads with Jerrick Ahanmisi in blockbuster trade 

    For Juami Tiongson, the move feels familiar.

     

    Eighteen months after San Miguel acquired him from Terrafirma as part of its pursuit of another championship, the veteran guard is heading back to the franchise where he rebuilt his career and became one of the PBA’s most productive local scorers.

     

    The PBA announced Wednesday that San Miguel has traded Tiongson and rookie Chris Miller to Terrafirma in exchange for Jerrick Ahanmisi and sophomore Paolo Hernandez, a deal that says as much about each team’s present priorities as it does about the players involved.

     

    On the surface, it is a straightforward swap of talent. Dig deeper, however, and it becomes a story of two franchises moving in opposite directions.

     

    For San Miguel, the transaction is another attempt to maximize a championship window that never seems to close.

     

    The Beermen are adding one of the conference’s most explosive local scorers in Ahanmisi, a player who emerged as Terrafirma’s primary offensive weapon during the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    He averaged more than 21 points per game while helping the Dyip produce the best start in franchise history and remain in playoff contention deep into the conference. Ahanmisi also delivered several signature performances, including a 24-point outing against San Miguel in a crucial late-season matchup.

     

    The former Jerrick Ahanmisi arrives with an established reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter threats. A former UAAP Mythical Team member from Adamson University, he has steadily developed into one of the PBA’s most dangerous shot creators since entering the league in 2021.

     

    Meanwhile, Hernandez gives San Miguel another young piece to develop behind its veteran core.

     

    The trade also underscores how difficult Tiongson’s transition to San Miguel ultimately became.

     

    When the Beermen acquired the former Terrafirma franchise player in late 2024, many expected him to provide additional scoring and playmaking alongside stars such as June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez. Instead, Tiongson found himself adjusting to a far different role than the one he had grown accustomed to as Terrafirma’s offensive centerpiece.

     

    After averaging 17.2 points per game before his move to San Miguel, Tiongson’s production dropped significantly as he settled into a supporting role behind an already loaded backcourt. 

     

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    During the Commissioner’s Cup, he averaged just 4.7 points and 1.9 assists while often splitting minutes with veteran floor generals.

     

    Earlier this year, Tiongson openly acknowledged the adjustment that came with joining a championship contender.

     

    He admitted missing the larger offensive role he once had but recognized that becoming part of San Miguel’s deep roster required a different approach to the game.

     

    Now, he returns to the team where he spent five seasons and enjoyed the most productive stretch of his professional career.

     

    For Terrafirma, the move is about reclaiming a proven leader while adding a player whose skill set fits a team still searching for stability. Tiongson was more than just a scorer during his previous stint with the Dyip. He evolved into an All-Star, earned recognition as one of the league’s most improved players, and became one of the few consistent bright spots during challenging seasons for the franchise.

     

    The addition of Miller also provides Terrafirma another young guard who could receive more opportunities than he was likely to find within San Miguel’s crowded rotation.

     

    Ultimately, the trade reflects a familiar PBA reality.

     

    San Miguel continues to chase championships by adding established talent ready to contribute immediately. Terrafirma, meanwhile, welcomes back a player who once carried the franchise and now gets another chance to do so.

     

    For Ahanmisi, the move represents an opportunity to compete for titles alongside one of the league’s most decorated rosters.

     

    For Tiongson, it represents something different.

     

    A return to the team where he became a star, and perhaps the place where he can once again become one.

     

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  • Beau Belga praises rookie Shawn Umali, offers guidance after on-court duel 

    Beau Belga praises rookie Shawn Umali, offers guidance after on-court duel 

    The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have stormed out of the gates in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, extending their unbeaten run to seven games with a 124–117 victory over the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, April 15, at the Ynares Center.

     

    Rain or Shine showcased its depth once again, with four players finishing in double figures. Adrian Asistio and Jhonard Johnson led the way with 18 points apiece, anchoring a balanced offensive attack that continues to fuel the team’s early dominance in the conference.

     

    Beyond the numbers, one of the game’s most engaging moments came from the spirited matchup between veteran Beau Belga and rookie Shawn Umali. The two big men traded highlights in the second quarter, with the 6-foot-3 Umali muscling his way to a one-handed scoop over the 39-year-old Belga. The veteran quickly answered back on the other end, knocking down a three-pointer in the next possession to the delight of the crowd.

     

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    Belga finished with six points on an efficient 2-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc, along with two rebounds and two assists in limited minutes. Umali, for his part, contributed five points on a perfect 2-of-2 clip in 11 minutes of action.

     

    Despite the competitive exchange, Belga was all praise for the young Terrafirma big man after the game.

     

    “I just wish the guy a better career. Bata pa naman yun. E, ako halos pa-retiro na,” Belga said in a media interaction.

    The veteran admitted he sees similarities between himself and Umali, while noting the rookie’s physical edge.

     

    “Mas mataba pa ako dun. But the good thing with us ni JR, nadadala namin yung katawan namin. Kaya naming i-manage, hindi kami nai-injury kahit mabigat kami. Yun siguro yung naging advantage namin.

     

    “Kasi maraming nagsasabi sa iyo kapag ganun ang katawan mo hindi ka magtatagal sa liga. Sa tingin ko naman napatunayan ko naman yun. I have been in the league for 17 years with this type of body and nag-survive naman,” he added.

     

    Belga also highlighted Umali’s potential, pointing out the unique combination of size and mobility.

     

    “Ang advantage niya mabigat na siya, hefty siya, plus mabilis siya. He just has to manage kung anuman ang meron ka and make it an advantage and not a disadvantage. Hindi ko lang ulam kung paano niya i-manage yung katawan niya, how he works out, kung paano mo dalhin yung sarili mo sa professional league kasi yun ang puhunan namin, yung katawan,” Belga continued.

    True to his role as one of the league’s most respected veterans, Belga extended an open hand to the rookie.

     

    “Anything that will be good for his career. I will be happy to help, kasi hindi ko naman puwedeng sarilinin lang yung alam ko. I want to share it to anybody, I want kung sino man yung gustong matuto,” he concluded.

     

    Rain or Shine’s perfect start reflects not only its firepower but also its chemistry and depth, qualities that make the Elasto Painters early contenders in the Commissioner’s Cup. Meanwhile, the Belga–Umali exchange offered a compelling glimpse of the league’s generational transition—where seasoned veterans continue to set the standard while guiding the next wave of talent.

     

     

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  • Rain or Shine clinches another PBA record for seventh straight win over Terrafirma 

    Rain or Shine clinches another PBA record for seventh straight win over Terrafirma 

    There are nights when offense simply clicks—and then there are nights when it overwhelms everything.

     

    Rain or Shine delivered the latter. The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters turned the game into a long-range exhibition, burying Terrafirma under a barrage of three-pointers en route to a 124-117 victory Wednesday night at the Ynares Center. But this wasn’t just about scoring—it was about how quickly the game slipped away.

     

    A single quarter changed everything. After a competitive start, Rain or Shine detonated for 41 points in the second period, stretching a manageable contest into a 67-45 halftime cushion. From there, control never wavered. The Elasto Painters weren’t just making shots—they were dictating the terms of the game, forcing Terrafirma to chase at a pace it couldn’t sustain.

     

    By the final buzzer, the damage had reached historic proportions. Rain or Shine knocked down 23 three-pointers, tying the PBA record for most in a single game. The milestone shot fittingly came late, with rookie Deo Cuajao drilling the equalizer with 25 seconds left—his basket both a footnote in history and the final dagger in Terrafirma’s late push.

     

    It was the kind of night where everything aligned offensively. Import Jaylen Johnson anchored the performance with a triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, orchestrating the attack with patience and precision. His final assist set up Cuajao’s record-tying three, capping off a performance that blended control with creativity.

     

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    Around him, the support came in waves. Anton Asistio sparked the decisive second-quarter run, pouring in 15 of his 18 points in that stretch alone while shooting efficiently from deep. Jun Roque added 15, while Adrian Nocum and Gian Mamuyac chipped in 13 and 11, respectively, as five players finished in double figures.

     

    At one point, the lead ballooned to 26. And yet, even in dominance, there were reminders of unfinished work.

     

    “Happy with the win, but we can’t relax on defense,” said coach Yeng Guiao. “We gave up 117 points. That’s not our standard. But when we’re making 23 from outside, we’re tough to beat.”

     

    That balance—between firepower and discipline—may ultimately define how far this team goes.

     

    On the other side, the Terrafirma Dyip showed flashes of resistance, particularly in the fourth quarter as the game slowed and the Elasto Painters dipped into their bench. But the deficit proved too steep to overcome.

     

    Mubashar Ali led the Dyip with a heavy 32-point, 19-rebound outing, though it came on high volume. Jerrick Ahanmisi added 21 points and seven assists, while Brent Paraiso and Joseph Eriobu provided support with solid all-around efforts.

     

    Still, the bigger picture remains concerning. After a promising 3-0 start, Terrafirma has now dropped four straight, slipping below .500 and searching for answers amid key absences.

     

    Meanwhile, Rain or Shine continues to surge. Seven games, seven wins—and now, a record matched.

     

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  • PBA: Player of the Week Adrian Nocum and Rain or Shine aim for seventh win against Terrafirma 

    PBA: Player of the Week Adrian Nocum and Rain or Shine aim for seventh win against Terrafirma 

    Momentum can be a dangerous thing—especially when it’s on your side. Right now, no team is riding it better than the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, and no player embodies that surge more than Adrian Nocum.

     

    Fresh off earning his second Player of the Week citation this conference, Nocum now finds himself at the forefront of Rain or Shine’s bid for a seventh straight win when they take on the Terrafirma Dyip Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    But this isn’t just about extending a streak—it’s about sustaining a standard.

     

    At 6-0, the Elasto Painters have turned consistency into identity, stacking wins through depth, pace, and a system that thrives regardless of who takes the spotlight. Nocum just happens to be the one shining brightest at the moment.

     

    During the past week, the high-flying guard delivered when it mattered most—dropping a conference-high 21 points against San Miguel Beer, including 10 in the fourth quarter punctuated by two clutch triples that sealed the win. He followed that up with a timely performance during Gabe Norwood’s jersey retirement night, helping Rain or Shine maintain control en route to another victory.

     

    His overall numbers—16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game—underscore his growing role as the team’s local anchor, blending energy plays with timely scoring.

     

    Still, for coach Yeng Guiao, the focus remains far from individual accolades. “Subukan namin kung hanggang saan umabot ang swerte namin,” said Guiao, downplaying the streak that has seen his squad take down powerhouse teams and even notch a 56-point demolition of Blackwater.

     

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    That mindset will be tested against a Terrafirma side eager to reset its campaign.

     

    The Dyip opened the conference with promise, racing to a 3-0 start before stumbling into a three-game skid that has exposed gaps in both execution and consistency.

     

     Losses to Phoenix, Magnolia, and TNT have cooled what was once a red-hot run, leaving them searching for answers midway through the eliminations. And yet, Guiao isn’t buying into the narrative of a struggling opponent.

     

    “We don’t want to underestimate them. They’re very dangerous. We want to come in mentally prepared,” he said.

     

    The matchup presents a contrast in rhythm.Rain or Shine thrives on waves—rotating fresh bodies, pushing tempo, and wearing opponents down over 48 minutes. Terrafirma, on the other hand, is still trying to rediscover the cohesion that fueled its early success.

     

    The import battle adds another layer. Jaylen Johnson continues to sync seamlessly with the Elasto Painters’ system, while Terrafirma’s Mubashar Ali has delivered solid numbers but is still searching for consistent support from the locals.

     

    In many ways, Wednesday’s game is a test of staying power. Can Rain or Shine keep its foot on the gas and move closer to a twice-to-beat incentive? Or will Terrafirma find enough resolve to disrupt the league’s hottest team?

     

    For now, the edge belongs to momentum—and to a Player of the Week who’s helping turn it into something bigger.

     

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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi proves locals still matter in import-driven PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Jerrick Ahanmisi proves locals still matter in import-driven PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    In a PBA conference packed with towering imports and big-name reinforcements, Jerrick Ahanmisi refuses to be overshadowed.

     

    The Terrafirma guard has emerged as a beacon of local talent, averaging 23.7 points per game to top all Filipino scorers and sit 11th overall in the Commissioner’s Cup—a remarkable feat in a field dominated by imported giants. With his trademark long-range shooting connecting at 36 percent and reliable free-throw shooting at 71 percent, Ahanmisi has anchored Terrafirma’s 3-1 start in the mid-season tournament.

     

    Even as Bol Bol and Justin Brownlee lead the overall scoring charts with jaw-dropping outputs, Ahanmisi’s consistency underscores a bigger story: that homegrown stars can still command the spotlight in the shadow of imports. 

     

    His scoring, leadership, and versatility provide Terrafirma with a steady backbone in games where the big men often dominate headlines.

     

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    Ahanmisi’s excellence extends beyond the PBA. Currently in Singapore representing Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, he continues to showcase Filipino skill on the international stage while maintaining his form back home.

     

    Trailing him among locals are Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos (23.6 ppg), last season’s scoring champion Robert Bolick (22.7), Ricci Rivero (22.5), and San Miguel’s CJ Perez (22.2), a reminder that the league’s Filipino core remains highly competitive despite import-heavy matchups.

     

    For Terrafirma, Ahanmisi is more than just a scorer. He’s proof that when talent, timing, and determination converge, a local player can not only survive but thrive, even when the league is filled with the tallest, most dominant imports.

     

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  • Ricci Rivero fires career-best 40 points in win over streaking Terrafirma 

    Ricci Rivero fires career-best 40 points in win over streaking Terrafirma 

    For three games, Terrafirma had looked like one of the early surprises of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    On Wednesday night at the Ynares Center, however, Phoenix made sure that unbeaten run came to a crashing halt — and Ricci Rivero made sure everyone knew exactly who was in charge.

     

    Rivero delivered the finest scoring night of his PBA career, pouring in 40 points in a dazzling all-around performance that fueled the Fuel Masters to a 133-105 demolition of the Dyip. It wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was a statement win for a Phoenix squad trying to establish itself as a legitimate playoff threat.

     

    From the opening half alone, Rivero had already seized control of the game.

     

    He dropped 21 points before halftime, setting the tone for a relentless Phoenix attack that blew the game open in the second quarter. 

     

    By the time the Fuel Masters finished their surge, they had turned what was expected to be a competitive matchup into a one-sided showcase of firepower.

     

    Rivero did the damage from everywhere — knocking down seven triples, attacking in transition, and creating for others whenever Terrafirma tried to send extra attention his way. He also finished with six rebounds and eight assists in a complete performance that showed both confidence and command.

     

    The outburst couldn’t have come at a better time for Phoenix, which was looking to respond after absorbing a 93-86 loss to Meralco in its previous outing. Instead of lingering on that setback, the Fuel Masters answered with their most explosive showing yet.

     

    Coach Charles Tiu made it clear the result meant more than just one big night.

     

    “We’re just trying to rack up some wins,” said the young mentor. “Kasi ang goal lang naman namin, first and foremost, is to try to make a playoff push. We know naman that the Phoenix franchise has been hungry for a playoff berth.”

     

    Phoenix certainly played like a team with urgency.

     

    While Rivero stole the spotlight, he had plenty of support. Ef Escandor added 20 points, doing much of his work in the fourth quarter to keep the pressure on as the Fuel Masters buried any hopes of a Terrafirma comeback. Import James Dickey III supplied a steady interior presence with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while also stuffing the stat sheet with three assists, three steals, and a block.

     

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    Evan Nelle chipped in 14 points, and veteran big man Prince Caperal contributed 11, as Phoenix spread the floor and punished Terrafirma with wave after wave of offense.

     

    By the final buzzer, the numbers painted the picture of just how sharp the Fuel Masters had been. Phoenix shot 52.8 percent from the field and drilled 19 three-pointers, a shooting display that left the Dyip chasing shadows for most of the night. The Fuel Masters even erupted for 40 points in the third quarter, turning the game into a full-scale rout.

     

    ‘The shooting was good. I wish we could shoot like this every game,” said Tiu.

     

    For Terrafirma, the loss served as a harsh reset after its dream start. Jerrick Ahanmisi did everything he could to keep the Dyip afloat, erupting for 37 points in a brave offensive effort. But outside of him, consistent scoring never arrived. Import Mubashar Ali was the only other player in double figures with 13 points, though he did haul down 17 rebounds while absorbing much of Phoenix’s defensive attention.

     

    The bigger concern for Terrafirma may be what lies ahead.After opening the conference with three straight wins, the Dyip now head into a far more unforgiving stretch, with Magnolia, TNT, and Rain or Shine waiting in their next three assignments. 

     

    Their early momentum has given them a cushion, but Wednesday’s blowout also exposed how much tougher life becomes once teams begin to zero in on them.

     

    As for Phoenix, the victory may prove to be more than just a tally in the win column.

     

    At 3-1, the Fuel Masters are now level with Terrafirma in the standings, but they carry the edge in confidence after a performance that showcased their offensive ceiling. More importantly, it offered a glimpse of what they can become when Rivero is at full throttle and the supporting cast follows.

     

    Phoenix will now have time to build on that momentum, with its next game not coming until April 5 against NLEX at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • Meralco marks milestone win as Terrafirma builds early momentum in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Meralco marks milestone win as Terrafirma builds early momentum in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    The spotlight at the Ynares Center on Wednesday became a night of statements and emerging storylines in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.


    For the Meralco Bolts, the evening doubled as both a strong season debut and a historic moment. Behind a commanding 109-88 victory over the Converge FiberXers, the Bolts not only showcased their depth but also reached a significant franchise milestone.

     

    Import Marvin Jones wasted no time making his presence felt, erupting for 29 points in an impressive first outing. His performance set the tone, but it was far from a one-man show. CJ Cansino delivered near-flawless shooting, finishing 8-of-9 from the field, including a perfect clip from four-point range—to tally 23 points and eight assists. 

     

    Meanwhile, veteran Chris Newsome added 19 points, anchoring the decisive fourth-quarter push that shut the door on Converge.

     

    The win carried added weight. Based on league statistician Fidel Mangonon III, it marked Meralco’s 300th victory as a franchise, placing the MVP Group-backed squad among the league’s most accomplished active teams.

     

    On the other side, Converge continues to search for rhythm early in the conference. The absence of Juan Gomez de Liano due to a knee injury loomed large, especially for a team still awaiting the debut of Calvin Abueva.

     

    Alec Stockton led the FiberXers with 18 points, while Justin Arana posted a double-double effort of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Import Kylor Kelley and Justine Baltazar also delivered inside presence, but the team fell to 1-2, still searching for cohesion.

     

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    If Meralco celebrated history, Terrafirma Dyip continued crafting a promising present.

     

    Riding the momentum of a breakout performance in their previous game, Mubashar Ali once again anchored Terrafirma’s charge, finishing with a dominant 22-point, 23-rebound outing to power a 99-88 win over the Blackwater Bossing. His consistent production is quickly turning into one of the early tournament’s most compelling narratives.

     

    Support came in waves. Paolo Hernandez contributed 20 points in a Player of the Game performance, while Jerrick Ahanmisi added 18, highlighted by two four-point shots that helped keep Blackwater at bay.

     

    Blackwater, meanwhile, leaned heavily on Sedrick Barefield, who poured in 25 points. However, the limited mobility of import Daniel Ochefu, playing through a hyperextended knee restricted their interior presence, contributing to their second straight loss.

     

    Looking ahead, the Meralco Bolts will have over a week to regroup before facing the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on March 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Converge FiberXers, meanwhile, face a tough test against the San Miguel Beermen on March 25, returning to the same Antipolo venue.

     

    The Blackwater Bossing aim to bounce back on Sunday against the Magnolia Hotshots, with the possible debut of import Robert Upshaw depending on Ochefu’s condition. Meanwhile, Terrafirma Dyip will try to sustain their surge when they take on the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, coached by Charles Tiu, on March 25 in Antipolo.

     

     

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