(PBA image)
Fresh off one of the biggest surprises of the PBA Governors’ Cup, Terrafirma now faces a different kind of challenge: proving its dramatic win over defending champion TNT Tropang 5G was no fluke.
The Dyip look to make it back-to-back victories when they take on guest team Macau Giant Pandas at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in a crucial Group A showdown featuring two teams suddenly brimming with confidence.
Terrafirma finally broke through after three heartbreaking losses by stunning TNT, 111-106, in overtime. Even more impressive, the Dyip refused to fold after watching an 18-point lead disappear before delivering clutch baskets in the closing moments of the extra period.
For a franchise that has often struggled to finish games, the victory could become a turning point.
Head coach Ronald Tubid believes his players are finally discovering the confidence they had been searching for.
He admitted the team’s biggest problem during its losing streak was not talent but urgency, saying the Dyip often played with intensity only after falling behind. Now, he wants his players to believe they can compete from the opening tip.
Veteran guard Juami Tiongson echoed that sentiment, describing the win over TNT as a massive confidence boost for the entire squad.
According to Tiongson, the team’s constant encouragement of one another helped them stay composed during the comeback scare and eventually secure the breakthrough victory.
But Macau enters the contest carrying momentum of its own.
After opening the conference with four straight defeats, the Giant Pandas finally broke into the win column with an explosive 132-126 victory over the Titan Ultra Giant Risers.
The biggest difference came with the long-awaited arrival of Jenning Leung.
Playing his first game of the tournament, Leung exploded for all 22 of his points in the second half, helping erase an early 19-point deficit. Together with Ramon Cao and De’Vondre Perry, he spearheaded Macau’s offensive barrage that completely changed the game’s complexion.
Cao finished with 28 points and 13 rebounds and admitted the team is still learning to play together after significant roster changes.
Despite the slow start to the conference, he believes the Giant Pandas are finally finding their rhythm.
Macau head coach Marcus Elliott is hoping that first victory is only the beginning.
Rather than celebrating a single win, Elliott has already challenged his team to build a winning streak and capture the majority of its remaining games before the league’s scheduled break.
That makes Wednesday’s showdown even more significant.
A victory for Terrafirma would strengthen the belief that its upset over TNT marked the start of a genuine turnaround in its campaign.
A win for Macau, meanwhile, would confirm that the Giant Pandas have finally figured things out after a rocky start and are ready to become a serious threat in the tournament.
With both teams desperate to keep their momentum alive, Filipino basketball fans can expect a fierce battle between two squads determined to prove their latest victories were just the beginning—not a lucky break.