The NLEX Road Warriors continued their impressive surge in the 2024–2025 PBA Philippine Cup with a resounding 117–87 victory over the struggling Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. With this win, NLEX extended its winning streak to five games, improving to a 5–1 record and firmly establishing itself as a top contender in the tournament. The lopsided affair was marked by standout performances from Brandon Ramirez and JB Bahio, both of whom recorded career-highs, and a commanding team effort that overwhelmed Terrafirma on both ends of the court.
Early Explosion Sets the Tone
First Quarter Blitz
From the opening tip, NLEX made their intentions clear. A blistering 22–5 start stunned Terrafirma and effectively dictated the game’s momentum. The Road Warriors’ sharp offensive execution, combined with airtight defense, left the Dyip reeling and unable to recover. The early lead not only gave NLEX breathing room but also allowed head coach Jong Uichico to rotate his lineup and keep players fresh.
Commanding Control
Despite some hiccups later in the game, the early dominance set the framework for what would become a blowout. Terrafirma showed flashes of resistance but failed to match the Road Warriors’ intensity and precision. NLEX’s ability to build and maintain large leads, especially against lower-tier teams, is becoming a defining trait of their season.
Career Nights for Ramirez and Bahio
Brandon Ramirez Shines Bright
Brandon Ramirez led the offensive onslaught for NLEX with a career-high 21 points, showcasing versatility and scoring prowess that provided a significant boost for the Road Warriors. Whether finishing at the rim or knocking down perimeter shots, Ramirez was a constant threat and instrumental in stretching Terrafirma’s defense.
JB Bahio’s Breakout Performance
JB Bahio also recorded a career-best night, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds, marking a significant step forward in his development. His double-double performance came at crucial moments, offering second-chance points and strong inside presence. Bahio’s performance underscores NLEX’s depth and growing confidence in their bench.
Total Team Contribution
Robbie Herndon and Javee Mocon Anchor the Midgame
Veterans Robbie Herndon and Javee Mocon provided much-needed stability, especially when Terrafirma made a mini-run in the third quarter. Herndon contributed 15 points, while Mocon delivered a solid 13-point, 12-rebound double-double, including two timely three-pointers that deflated any hopes of a Terrafirma comeback.
Robert Bolick: The Silent Facilitator
Though struggling with his shot, going 1-of-8 from the field, Robert Bolick’s contribution was evident through his 10 assists. His playmaking ensured NLEX’s offensive rhythm remained intact, creating opportunities for teammates and keeping the ball moving. Bolick’s maturity and unselfishness were critical in maintaining momentum despite his shooting woes.
Enoch Valdez’s Late Game Spark
Coach Uichico gave the final minutes to Enoch Valdez, and the young forward didn’t disappoint. Coming in with 3:43 left in the game, Valdez scored nine points in a 13–0 finishing run, putting an emphatic stamp on the blowout and showcasing the team’s depth.
Terrafirma’s Struggles Continue
Sixth Consecutive Loss
The loss marked Terrafirma’s sixth straight defeat after opening the conference with a win. Now with a 1–6 record, the Dyip find themselves at the bottom of the standings and in serious danger of missing the quarterfinals. Their inability to compete consistently on both ends continues to be their downfall.
Kevin Ferrer’s Lone Bright Spot
Veteran forward Kevin Ferrer did his best to keep the Dyip competitive, dropping 23 points, many of which came from tough looks in isolation or in transition. However, his scoring surge was not nearly enough to stop the bleeding for Terrafirma.
Support Cast Falters
Louie Sangalang had a modest showing with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Mark Nonoy and Brent Paraiso chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Unfortunately, the rest of the squad failed to rise to the occasion. As a team, Terrafirma lacked cohesion, defensive effort, and offensive execution, especially after falling behind by 22 in the second quarter.
Brief Comeback Attempt Falls Short
Flashes of Life
Terrafirma managed to mount a brief charge in the third quarter, cutting the lead to 63–74. This stretch exposed a few defensive lapses from NLEX and prompted concern from Coach Uichico, who later acknowledged his team’s slight complacency after building a massive lead.
NLEX Regains Control
Any hopes of a Dyip comeback were quickly extinguished when Javee Mocon nailed back-to-back three-pointers in a 13–7 spurt, reestablishing a 17-point lead going into the final period. From there, NLEX slammed the door shut with a dominating fourth-quarter performance.
Coach Jong Uichico’s Postgame Reflection
In his postgame remarks, Coach Uichico praised his players for their collective effort but didn’t shy away from pointing out areas for improvement.
“Everybody played well, everybody was in the right mindset,” said Uichico. “In the course of the game, we saw some lapses, which resulted in mistakes. It’s a sign of getting complacent because the score is big, and they caught up. It’s just good we were able to recover.”
His honest assessment reflects a coach who is not content with just winning but is focused on long-term growth and championship-level consistency.
The Bigger Picture: NLEX’s Rise
Five Straight Wins and Counting
With this dominant win, NLEX has now compiled a 5–1 record, sitting comfortably in the upper echelon of the standings. The Road Warriors are not only winning but doing so convincingly, with a combination of veteran leadership, emerging young stars, and smart coaching.
Depth and Versatility
One of the team’s greatest strengths is its depth. Thirteen players saw action, and nearly all of them made an impact. This rotation flexibility allows Uichico to manage minutes and experiment with matchups — a luxury few teams in the league can afford.
Terrafirma’s Steep Climb Ahead
Near Elimination
Terrafirma’s sixth straight loss places them on the brink of elimination. If they are to avoid becoming the first team ousted from playoff contention, immediate changes are necessary — both in terms of effort and strategy.
Lack of Defensive Identity
Perhaps the Dyip’s most glaring weakness is their defense. Allowing 117 points in a regulation game speaks volumes about their inability to get stops. Without a defensive anchor or a unified scheme, opponents find it easy to build and extend leads.
NLEX’s Upcoming Challenges
The Road Warriors are on a roll, but tougher opponents await. To maintain their streak and stay sharp, they’ll need to address the lapses Coach Uichico mentioned and keep pushing the pace. Their next few games could define whether they’re true title contenders or just early risers.
Can Terrafirma Turn Things Around?
The window is closing fast for the Dyip. With only a handful of games left in the eliminations, every match is now a must-win. Leadership, heart, and execution must all align if they are to salvage their season.
The NLEX Road Warriors delivered a statement win with a complete team performance, highlighted by career-high outings from Brandon Ramirez and JB Bahio. Meanwhile, Terrafirma continued to spiral, facing a grim outlook after another heavy defeat. With the PBA Philippine Cup heating up, both teams are on very different trajectories — one soaring with momentum, the other scrambling for survival.
