In a game where momentum shifted like a pendulum, it was poise—not power—that ultimately made the difference.

On October 12, 2025, the Terrafirma Dyip pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the Philippine Cup so far, taking down the NLEX Road Warriors, 97–91. It wasn’t just the win that turned heads—it was the way they got it done. With NLEX charging back late in the fourth quarter, it took a veteran’s calm hand to stop the bleeding. That hand belonged to Jerrick Ahanmisi.

With just under 40 seconds left and NLEX within two points, Ahanmisi found a crease in the defense and sank a clutch layup that pushed the lead to four. In a game of runs, it was that one bucket that halted NLEX’s comeback and restored control for Terrafirma. Rookie JM Bravo added a late basket to close the door, but it was Ahanmisi’s moment of composure that shifted the narrative.

Not Just Another Win

This wasn’t just any victory—it was Ronald Tubid’s first as head coach. Coming off a lopsided loss to Blackwater just days earlier, the Dyip were written off by most heading into this matchup. But from the jump, they played with something different. There was urgency. Energy. A sense of purpose. And most importantly, belief.

What made this win even more impressive was the balance. JM Bravo, the rookie who’s quickly making a name for himself, led the team with 18 points and 8 rebounds. But he wasn’t alone. Paolo Hernandez and Didat Hanapi chipped in 13 points each, while JP Sangalang added 11. It wasn’t a one-man show—it was a team effort in every sense.

Ahanmisi’s Quiet Heroics

While the stat sheet may not scream MVP for Ahanmisi, real hoop fans know it’s not always about the numbers. It’s about timing. And in that crucial stretch late in the fourth, Ahanmisi delivered exactly what a young team like Terrafirma needed—a veteran’s confidence.

That layup wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t loud. But it was clutch.

It reminded everyone watching that experience matters. That calmness under pressure can silence a run. And that sometimes, the most important shots aren’t the ones that make the highlight reel—they’re the ones that keep your team from collapsing.

Bigger Than the Box Score

Terrafirma’s upset wasn’t just a random blip. It’s a sign of what’s possible when heart and hustle meet execution. For a franchise that’s often been seen as rebuilding or under the radar, this win sends a message: they’re not here to fill space. They’re here to compete.

For NLEX, the loss is a lesson in not taking any opponent lightly. For Terrafirma, it’s a foundation to build on. The combination of young talent and seasoned leadership is starting to click. And if games like this become more common, the rest of the league had better start paying attention.

The Scores

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