Dyip Surge in Fourth Quarter Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive with Win Over Black Knights

Terrafirma kept its postseason aspirations alive by pulling away late to beat a shorthanded Macau team, 102-84, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The contest remained tightly contested through three quarters, tied at 77-all heading into the final period. But rookie Geo Chiu ignited a decisive 9-0 run that gave the Dyip an 86-77 lead with 9:33 remaining, and Terrafirma never looked back, snapping a six-game losing streak in the process.

The win improved Terrafirma to 4-6, tying them with Converge for ninth place and keeping their slim quarterfinal hopes alive. They also capitalized on Macau’s depleted rotation after Damian Chongqui exited midway through the game. With their lineup thinned, the Black Knights relied heavily on bench players, who managed only seven points in the fourth quarter.

Coach Ronald Tubid credited the team’s adherence to their system down the stretch.

“So stay lang kami doon sa concept na gusto ng sistema namin, especially sa offense namin. Kasi ‘yung defense namin, OK naman,” Tubid said.

Terrafirma’s scoring was led by Jerrick Ahanmisi, who posted 29 points and eight assists, while Mubashar Ali dominated inside with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists. Chiu celebrated his first PBA double-double with 12 points and 11 boards, and JM Bravo also contributed 12 points, helping carry much of the offensive load.

Ahanmisi reflected on the team’s goal: “We talked about it since the beginning of the season, that our goal is to make the playoffs. So getting this W means our hopes are alive and hopefully our team believes that we can still make it."

Terrafirma now faces a critical stretch with games against San Miguel Beer on May 6 and Meralco on May 8, which could determine their playoff fate.

For Macau, Ramon Cao led the scoring with 27 points and seven rebounds, Tony Mitchell added 22 points and 12 boards, Phoenix Shackelford contributed 13 points and six rebounds, and Jenning Leung had 10 points. Despite their efforts, the Black Knights fell to 2-9 and will aim to finish their debut PBA season on a positive note against Phoenix on May 6 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.