STUNG in the first half by a Terrafirma side that NLEX coach Yeng Guiao described as a team that has what it takes, the Road Warriors woke up and displayed poise when it mattered most.
NLEX battled back from an early 16-point deficit and nipped Terrafirma 105-102 to launch its bid on a high in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The win appeared to be in the bag for the Road Warriors after they held a 93-84 lead on a Kevin Alas basket with 5:15 remaining in the final stanza.
Refusing to lie down and die, the Dyip razed the disadvantage behind Juami Tiongson, Aldrech Ramos, and Joshua Munzon and pulled to within 101-103 on an Ed Daquioag three-pointer with 4.3 ticks to go.
Tiongson canned a free throw that pushed Terrafirma to within 102-103 after NLEX’s Justin Chua was called for a technical foul for not reporting to the table officials when he substituted.
The Dyip forced a turnover in the ensuing play that gave them a lifeline, but Munzon committed a costly turnover, leading to two freebies by Calvin Oftana that pegged the final count, only 1.0 second left.
Tiongson’s halfcourt heave was nowhere near the rim that completed the Road Warriors’ fightback.
Alas scattered a game-high 24 points, to go with two rebounds, and six assists for NLEX, while Oftana, finally healthy after recovering from a hand injury last season, chipped in 20 markers, five boards, and two dimes.
JR Quiñahan, Don Trollano, and Chua also had 18, 15, and 13 points, respectively for the Road Warriors.
“Magaling talaga ang Terrafirma, hindi mo puwedeng i-underestimate ang Terrafirma.
Malalaki sila. They have the size, may mga piyesa sila, may materyales ang team na ito,” Guiao said.
“Siguro ang importante lang sa kanila ay iyong samahan nila. Palagi kasing napipitasan ng player iyan. So, kung hindi lang napipitasan ng players iyan, baka nag-champion na ang Terrafirma,” he added.
Terrafirma zoomed to a fast start and led by as much as 41-25 on a Javi Gomez de Liaño bucket at the 4:46 mark of the second quarter.
The Dyip still enjoyed a 47-31 spread at the half and 72-66 heading into the payoff period.
Tiongson and Ramos had 18 points each for Terrafirma, while Munzon added 15.
Daquioag and Joseph Gabayni combined for 26 for the Dyip.
