Rookie JM Bravo Shines Bright as Terrafirma Ends Long Drought with Stunning Win Over NLEX

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by Lou Reyes

Dyip rookie forward JM Bravo (26) drives past an NLEX defender.
Dyip rookie forward JM Bravo (26) drives past an NLEX defender. Photo: PBA Images.

Terrafirma Dyip finally found its breakthrough moment. 

Behind an inspired performance from rookie John Bravo, Dyip stunned the NLEX Road Warriors, 97-91, on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, snapping an 11-game skid that stretched all the way back to last season.

Bravo, a surprise spark plug from the sixth round of the recent PBA Draft, rose to the occasion with 18 points and eight rebounds, embodying the heart and hustle that defined Terrafirma’s gritty effort. His poise in the closing seconds sealed the deal for Dyip.

Head coach Ronald Tubid couldn’t hide his pride after his young squad bounced back from a forgettable loss to Blackwater just two nights earlier.

“The boys are excited and motivated. We know we’re undersized, but as long as we compete hard, we always have a chance,” Tubid said, emphasizing the team’s steady growth.

Terrafirma big man Louie Sangalang (left) finds a way out of an NLEX double team.
Terrafirma big man Louie Sangalang (left) finds a way out of an NLEX double team. Photo: PBA Images.

Terrafirma came out swinging, building a 16-point cushion early before NLEX mounted a furious rally in the fourth. But this time, the Dyip refused to fold. Jerrick Ahanmisi came up clutch with a timely layup that pushed the lead to four, 93-89, before Bravo calmly sank two free throws in the dying seconds to ice the game.

The win was a true team effort. Paolo Hernandez delivered 13 points, seven rebounds, and six steals, while Didat Hanapi chipped in 13 markers of his own. Big man Allen Sangalang fought through foul trouble to tally 11 points and seven boards, and speedster Mark Nonoy orchestrated the offense brilliantly with 13 assists alongside seven rebounds.

NLEX, meanwhile, struggled to sustain its momentum from a previous win over San Miguel Beer. John Bahio once again led the Road Warriors with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Xyrus Torres also scored 14. Anthony Semerad contributed a double-double of 12 and 11, but the absence of Robert Bolick continued to haunt the team’s execution down the stretch.

The Scores:

Terrafirma 97 - Bravo 18, Ahanmisi 14, Hernandez 13, Hanapi 13, Sangalang 11, Paraiso 6, Nonoy 6, Olivario 5, Rivero 4, Zaldivar 3, Garcia 2, Catapusan 2.

NLEX 91 - Bahio 14, Torres 14, Ramirez 13, Policarpio 13, Semerad 12, Alas 7, Valdez 6, Amer 5, Nieto 3, Herndon 3, Marcelo 1, Rodger 0.

Quarterscores: 24-24, 46-41, 74-62, 97-91