Terrafirma Dyip beat NLEX Road Warriors 114:109 in the PBA Governors' Cup on Thursday evening. The hosts took advantage of a team that had won all three of its previous matches. It ended a five-game winning streak for the visitors and gave Terrafirma something to build on after a difficult start to the tournament.
Both sides came in with different stories. NLEX had been on top of the table with three wins from three games. Terrafirma sat fifth after four matches and one victory, having lost three of their previous games. The last time they met, on July 12, NLEX took a narrow 101:100 win at home.
Terrafirma's recent results showed a team searching for consistency. They had lost to Macau Black Bears, San Miguel Beermen and Converge FiberX, with only a win over TNT Tropang Giga to show for their efforts. NLEX, meanwhile, had beaten everyone in their path — Titan Ultra Giants, San Miguel, Converge, TNT and the hosts themselves.
The final score of 114:109 suggests a game with plenty of attacking intent from both sides. Terrafirma managed to outscore the visitors in a contest where neither side pulled away for long. The hosts turned in a performance that contrasted sharply with their previous form.
The result moves Terrafirma to five points from five games while NLEX remains on 0 points from four matches. The table position may not change dramatically, but the momentum has shifted. Terrafirma can no longer claim bad luck; this was a win earned against a team that had looked imperious.