CHICAGO - Never thought this day would come where I would write about perennial punching bags Blackwater and Terrafirma in glowing terms.
But as both the Bossings and the Dyip are sitting pretty atop the PBA Philippine Cup team standings, these franchises have earned their well-deserved praise.
This "truth is stranger than fiction" tale began last February 28 when Blackwater shocked Meralco, 96-93, followed by Terrafirma's 107-99 conquest over Converge,
The unusual reversals didn't turn out to be just a flash in the pan.
Blackwater doubled up on March 2 via a stunning 87-76 rout of disheveled TNT while Terrafirma chalked its second in a row at the expense of NLEX, 99-95.
In a span of five days, all three of the MVP group's teams were drubbed by franchises that they have routinely used to scrub the arena floors with.
These multiple twists of fate feels weird, like continuing to disbelieve the effects of global warming.
WHAT ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH IS GOING ON AT BLACKWATER?
Before an injury wiped him out against TNT, Rey Nambatac showed a glimpse of the promise he brings to Blackwater by anchoring the Bossings' win over Meralco with 27 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists.
Troy Rosario has been solid as well, putting together a combined 35 points and 10 rebounds while veteran addition James Yap, who weaved meaningful minutes off the bench during the twin wins, accounted for 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting from 3.
Rey Suerte, Tyrus Hill and Michael DiGregorio are just few of the unsung heroes that have helped mold Blackwater's terrific start.
When he was named the head coach last April, Jeff Carisaso pleaded for patience as he attempted to drag Blackwater from the darkness of mediocrity into the light of competitiveness.
Glad to see the hard work Jeff, his players and his staff beginning to pay off.
Over at Terrafirma, explaining the Dyip's sudden and unexpected rise can be attributed largely to one phenomenon.
A HOLT ATTACK.
After flirting with a "bust" label attached to his No.1 draft pick status, Stephen Holt has slowly but surely evolved into a dangerous weapon.
Playing court general in Terrafirma's tactical demolition of Converge and NLEX, Holt manufactured 44 points, 17 rebounds and 8 assists.
He also drilled 20 of 31 field goals and snatched 9 steals, a rarity that could net him a cool moniker.
Grand Theft Holt.
Stephen's "crime" spree has a notable co-conspirator in gunner Juami Tiongson, who has 53 points in two games. Javi Gomez De Liano, JP Calvo and Isaac Go are Dyip's notable mentions.
Wow, what a week in the PBA.
Hopefully, Terrafirma and Blackwater like to view from the top and will continue to play fine basketball to stay there.
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