Terrafirma crushes Macau to snap skid and keep PBA quarterfinal hopes alive

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Terrafirma kept its fading PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoff hopes alive on Saturday, May 2, after overpowering Macau, 102-84, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to finally halt its dangerous six-game losing streak. The crucial victory pushed the Dyip to 4-6, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a quarterfinal berth with two elimination-round games remaining.

Desperate to revive their postseason aspirations, Terrafirma delivered one of its most complete performances of the conference, leaning on offensive adjustments, dominant interior play, and a relentless fourth-quarter surge that overwhelmed a Macau side battling severe manpower issues.

Mubashar Ali dominates the paint with a powerful double-double for the Dyip. [PBA Images]
Mubashar Ali dominates the paint with a powerful double-double for the Dyip. [PBA Images]

Jerrick Ahanmisi powers Terrafirma’s must-win playoff push

Jerrick Ahanmisi led the charge for Terrafirma, exploding for 29 points and eight assists in a massive bounce-back performance after scoring just 13 in his previous outing. His aggressive offense and steady floor leadership fueled the Dyip’s attack from start to finish.

Mubashar Ali also rediscovered his old form, delivering a bruising 25-point, 16-rebound double-double that punished Macau inside. Meanwhile, top overall rookie pick Geoff Chiu provided another major boost, registering his first professional double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in a breakout effort.

Coach Ronald Tubid emphasized that offensive refinements finally paid off after weeks of struggles.

“Sa practice namin kasi every day we keep on pushing the guys,” Tubid said, stressing that the team’s renewed commitment to offensive execution was key after repeatedly failing to sustain leads during their losing skid.

Macau unravels after Damian Chongqui’s sudden exit

Macau initially remained within striking distance and trailed by only one point, 78-77, entering the fourth quarter. However, the Black Knights’ fragile stability collapsed after star guard Damian Chongqui abruptly exited late in the third period for unexplained reasons.

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Chongqui reportedly headed directly to the locker room before leaving the venue entirely, a development that appeared to demoralize Macau’s lineup. Coach Marcus Elliott subsequently leaned heavily on reserves while key contributors were largely sidelined during the final quarter.

Raymond Cao scored 27 points while import Tony Mitchell posted 22 points and 12 rebounds, but Macau’s growing roster turmoil proved too much to overcome as Terrafirma seized full control.

With the win, Terrafirma now faces critical upcoming clashes against San Miguel Beer and Meralco, with every game carrying major playoff implications. For Ahanmisi and the Dyip, the formula is simple: keep winning and force their way back into the postseason picture.

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