Pacesetting Terrafirma clashes with Blackwater in Commissioner’s Cup

Games on Wednesday
(Ynares Center Antipolo)
5:15 p.m. – Terrafirma vs Blackwater
7:30 p.m. – Meralco vs Converge

TWO GAMES into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Season 50, Terrafirma has already surpassed its woeful one-win showing in the previous Philippine Cup.

And for the rejuvenated Terrafirma Dyip, this is far from getting them satisfied.

“We are hungry,” coach Ronald Tubid said in local dialect after roaring to back-to-back romps at the expense of Titan (112-82) and contender Converge (111-100 in overtime).

Mr. Tubid’s charges led by efficient import Ali Mubashar and newly-minted PBA Press Corps Player of the Week Jerrick Ahanmisi have positioned themselves among the pacesetters of the week-old conference with a shot of taking the solo lead with No. 3 on Wednesday against Blackwater (0-1).

Mr. Mubashar carved his name in PBA history books over the weekend when he banged in 50 big points and hauled down 25 rebounds in the upset over the touted FiberXers, where the Dyip held the latter scoreless in extra time to seal the deal.

The 7-foot import quickly deflected credit, pointing to Mr. Ahanmisi, rookie Geo Chiu and the rest of the locals for their early success.

“I’m very fortunate to have the help and support of the team. At any time, I can call them for anything and they’d always come through. So shoutout to them,” said Mr. Mubashar.

The Bossing are out to get themselves on the board after dropping their opening assignment versus NLEX (81-84).

Meanwhile, the FiberXers (1-1) seek to wheel back on track as they take on a Meralco squad making its conference debut in the 7:30 p.m. main game.

The Bolts unleash new faces in American reinforcement Marvin Jones, rookies Jason Brickman and Vince Magbuhos and trade acquisition Javee Mocon in their bid to contend for the title in the mid-season tournament. — Olmin Leyba