Terrafirma coach Ronald Tubid found plenty to be proud of, even in defeat.
Despite bowing to TNT Tropang 5G in overtime, 109-95, in the PBA Philippine Cup Season 50 at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Friday, Tubid praised his young Dyip squad for their grit and fight against one of the league’s powerhouse teams.
Terrafirma held control for most of the match and seemed poised for a major upset before the Tropang 5G unleashed a decisive 10-0 run in overtime to seal their fourth win in five games, tying Rain or Shine atop the standings at 5-1. The Dyip, meanwhile, absorbed their fourth consecutive defeat to fall to 1-5, joining Phoenix at the bottom.
“Konting kembot na lang. Kinabahan siguro si coach Chot dun,” Tubid said with a grin, referring to TNT head coach Chot Reyes. “Kaya happy kaming mga coaches kasi nakikita mong lumalaban. The past how many games, laban talaga, duluhan kami e.”
Reyes, for his part, admitted that his team was fortunate to escape with the win. “We really lost this game in my mind. Terrafirma completely outplayed us,” he said.
Jerrick Ahanmisi led Terrafirma’s gallant effort with 26 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Brent Paraiso registered a double-double with 13 points and 11 boards, while Louie Sangalang and Aljon Mariano added 10 points apiece.
For Tubid, pushing a veteran-laden team like TNT to the brink is an invaluable experience for his young roster. “Doon makakakuha ng experience yung mga bata. Kailangan lang mag-mature ng mabilis kasi mahirap talaga kapag puro mga bata,” he said. “Pero at least nakakasabay kami, we just have to find a way na manalo.”
The Dyip will try to end their skid when they face Phoenix on Wednesday, November 12.
