Although he acknowledged responsibility for Terrafirma’s lackluster start, Christian Standhardinger maintained that the redesigned Dyip will need some time to realize their full potential in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup.

While his statistics of 15.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists are impressive, Standhardinger stated he needs to do more to help his new team overcome a terrible start that has seen them lose their first five games.

“Obviously, I have to step it up,” stated Standhardinger, who, following a season in which he made the team legendary, was traded by Ginebra to the Dyip for Stephen Holt, Isaac Go, and a draft pick.

However, Standhardinger claimed that their problems have been exacerbated by player absences due to ailments, contracts, and an early import switch. 

Due to a partial tear in his hamstring, Juami Tiongson is not available. While rookies Mark Nonoy and CJ Catapusan have not yet signed with the team because of their active contracts with the MPBL’s Iloilo Royals, Kemark Carino is also out.

“With that said, and taking that responsibility, and then it’s totally my fault, we also have to be realistic. Half of our team is missing, one great wing, he went to Korea (Javi Gomez de Liano), we don’t have the same team right now,” Standhardinger said.

According to Standhardinger, the Terrafirma team will need to exercise patience in order to turn this campaign around.

“Obviously, in a competitive league like the PBA, it’s hard to win when it comes together in such a way. It was almost a perfect storm. But we need to move on and figure out how we can still get some wins and just overcome that,” said C-Stan.

Meanwhile, the Tropang Giga had more than enough to go on a 10-0 run midway through the last quarter that kept Terrafirma at bay, even if Calvin Oftana did not play for TNT.

At the end of the first half of their elimination-round campaign, the Tropang Giga improved to 4-1, tying sister team Meralco at the top and sending the Dyip to a 0-5 win-loss record.

With 26 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks, and 7 rebounds, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the way. Poy Erram and RR Pogoy both scored 13 points. Six TNT players scored in double digits, with Kim Aurin contributing 13 points.

Due to player injuries, including Hollis-Jefferson’s damaged ankle, the Tropang Giga did not have enough quality practices before the Terrafirma game, according to TNT coach Chot Reyes.

“We hardly had any practice because Rondae couldn’t run on his ankle until two days ago. We didn’t have Calvin as well. I was really worried because we didn’t get good practices until yesterday,” Reyes said.

Before TNT took a five-point lead, 85-80, in the middle of the fourth quarter, it was still anybody’s game. The crucial run was initiated by Glenn Khobutin with a three, and was followed by a jumper, two free throws by Hollis-Jefferson, and a three-pointer by Aurin to end the run.

For Terrafirma, who lost starting guard Juami Tiongson to a partial hamstring rupture, Antonio Hester finished with 23 points and 18 rebounds, while Christian Standhardinger finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds.

The Scores

TNT 107 – Hollis-Jefferson 26, Erram 14, Pogoy 14, Aurin 13, Nambatac 10, Castro 10, Exciminiano 7, Khobuntin 7, Payawal 3, Heruela 3, Vosotros 0, Ebona 0.

Terrafirma 89 – Hester 23, Standhardinger 18, Ferrer 13, Hernandez 13, Pringle 12, Cahilig 3, Hanapi 3, Ramos 2, Sangalang 2, Grospe 0, Olivario 0.

Quarter scores: 30-22; 55-49; 76-68; 107-89.