Terrafirma rode on the clutch shooting of Aldrech Ramos and the timely plays of new addition Alex Cabagnot to complete a 112-106 overtime win over Rain or Shine Saturday, Dec. 11 in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Ramos sent the game into overtime after converting a three-point shot that leveled the score at 98-all before he and Cabagnot combined in the extension to put Terrafirma on the win column after squandering a big lead in a loss to Phoenix Super LPG two days ago.
Import Antonio Hester had another huge performance as Terrafirma won despite the absence of coach Johnedel Cardel, who is dealing with a back injury sustained while playing a pick-up game.
“I think that shot by Aldrech that sent the game into overtime changed the complexion of the game,” said assistant coach Gian Nazario, who filled in for Cardel. “And we were just lucky to have some like Alex who can be another coach inside the court.”
Ramos had 12 points and seven rebounds while Cabagnot put up 15 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists in only his second game since being traded from San Miguel Beer last month.
Hester scored 40 points with 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block for the Dyip with Juami Tiongson contributing 16 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Rey Nambatac and import Henry Walker scored 25 points apiece but Rain or Shine couldn’t secure a second win that would put them among the early leaders in the tournament.
Terrafirma tied the game twice late in regulation, first on a Cabagnot triple for 95-all. Javee Mocon scored to put Rain or Shine back on top and had a chance to secure the win after Tiongson missed a hurried three in the corner.
Beau Belga, however, split his two foul shots, 16.4 left for 98-95, and the Dyip were able to find a chance to tie it through Ramos nine seconds later. Hester could have it after a Walker turnover, but missed a go-ahead shot as time expired.
Ramos gave the lead to the Dyip for good with a corner shot for 106-104, 1:33 to go in overtime. Cabagnot drew the defense before dropping a pass for Ramos to make it a four-point game.
Cabagnot wasn’t done dishing as he fed Hester for a layup that hiked the Dyip advantage to 110-104, 29 ticks to go.
The scores:
TERRAFIRMA 112 — Hester 40, Tiongson 16, Cabagnot 15, Ramos 12, Pascual 10, Cahilig 9, Adams 6, Melton 2, Calvo 2, Camson 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Batiller 0, Celda 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 106 — Walker 25, Nambatac 25, Mocon 17, Santillan 9, Belga 7, Norwood 6, Asistio 4, Torres 3, Borboran 3, Caracut 3, Jackson 2, Wong 2, Ponferada 0.
Quarters: 31-31, 52-51, 72-82, 98-98 (Reg), 112-106 (OT).