THE losses kept piling up for Terrafirma and NLEX in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
READ: Magnolia survives tough Terrafirma stand to revive playoff hopes
The Dyip fell short of a breakthrough win after losing a close one against Magnolia, 89-84, while the Road Warriors faltered in the homestretch against Meralco, 105-91.
READ: Meralco unleashes big finishing kick to take fight out of NLEX
The setback was the fourth straight for NLEX, now with a 3-5 slate, while Terrafirma continues to lay a big fat egg at the bottom of the standings at 0-9, now out of the quarterfinals picture.
On the other hand, both the Bolts (5-3) and Hotshots (3-5) boosted their respective bids for berths in the playoffs, which kicks off in the first week of February.
Here are some quick takeaways in Friday night’s game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
1. TERRENCE ROMEO ACTIVATION A WELCOME MOVE FOR DYIP
Although no longer in the running for the coming playoffs, Terrafirma management’s decision to play the explosive shooting guard should give the team another scoring option. The Far Eastern University product only played 13 minutes and finished with three points in his first game wearing the green and white jersey.
READ: Terrence Romeo hopes to rekindle magic in Stanley Pringle reunion
Coming off an injury, the timing is still not there for Romeo. But him and Stanley Pringle sharing the backcourt again – reminiscent of their GlobalPort days – is something to look forward to for the lowly franchise in its remaining games this conference, as well as the remainder of the season.
2. LONG CLIMB BACK FOR MAGNOLIA
The Hotshots barely escaped the Dyip in an obvious sign of vulnerability. And hopefully, everything is not yet too late for the franchise. Magnolia is currently out of the Top 8 with a 3-5 record and a sweep of all its four games is the only way to turn around its fortunes, beginning with Sunday’s game against another struggling powerhouse in reigning champion San Miguel.
The Hotshots have been in must-win situations before, but not as bad as this one. It will take a whole lot of effort from coach Chito Victolero’s boys to salvage their playoff hopes.
3. NLEX IS IMPLODING
The third quarter shouting incident between coach Jong Uichico and import Mike Watkins showed frustrations are now mounting for what was once a promising campaign for the Road Warriors.
READ: NLEX import Watkins apologizes to Uichico after shouting match
The team just lost its fourth straight game after a 3-1 start to tumble out of the Top 8. It didn’t help any Watkins and main man Robert Bolick combined for 15 turnovers, just one less from the 16 committed by the entire Meralco unit.
Local support is also lacking for the team, as the Bolts got better production from the bench, 35-23. If there’s one positive to NLEX's loss, it was the notable debut of rookie big man Brandon Ramirez, who finished with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field.
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