A matchup between a league leader (TNT Tropang 5G) and a bottom feeder (Terrafirma Dyip) opened the PBA’s Friday doubleheader at Ynares Center. For a while, a stunning upset seemed to be brewing, with Terrafirma building as much as a 16-point advantage at one point. But in the end, the Tropa came back and ultimately pulled out a 109-95 triumph to hike their record to 5-1 and tie the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the top of the standings. The Dyip, meanwhile, dropped to 1-5.
What Happened?
Terrafirma struck first, riding their hot shooting and taking advantage of TNT’s lethargic play to take a 49-37 lead into intermission. But the Tropa slowly found their groove, cutting into that lead after three and tying it at the end of regulation behind the hot hands of Kelly Williams, the timely baskets of RR Pogoy, and the pesky playmaking of Jio Jalalon. TNT then took over in overtime as Terrafirma’s offense sputtered.
Who Stood Out?
Kelly Williams was a man possessed in this game, going off for a conference-high 28 points on a career-best 8-for-13 from downtown—most of which came in the fourth quarter and overtime. Jio Jalalon, meanwhile, played his role to perfection, sparking an otherwise lethargic Tropa in the second half with his hustle, energy, and playmaking. He finished with 7 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals.
Jerrick Ahanmisi was marvelous for Terrafirma, playing perhaps his best game in a Dyip jersey as he finished with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.
3 Keys to the Game
- Jalalon’s energy. As already mentioned, Jalalon came off the bench to spark TNT, and it all started with him infusing energy into the Tropa. He also hounded Ahanmisi just as the latter was going off in the third quarter.
- Three-point shooting. The Tropa didn’t shoot particularly well from deep, going just 16-for-50 overall. But they hit the treys at the right time—in the fourth quarter and in OT. Williams, in particular, was on point in this one with his eight triples.
- Composure. Credit to Terrafirma for playing so well against a league juggernaut, but part of the reason it lost was because it got rattled when TNT turned up the heat. In contrast, the Tropa did just enough to stay within arm’s reach of the Dyip even when they weren’t playing too well.
Next Up for the PBA
The PBA Philippine Cup for Season 50 goes back to Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday with another doubleheader. The Blackwater Bossing and Converge FiberXers will open hostilities, followed by a matchup between the NLEX Road Warriors and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Blackwater vs. Converge (5:15 p.m.)
NLEX vs. Rain or Shine (7:30 p.m.)
