PBA: Terrafirma coaches’ trust pays off after big win over NLEX

MANILA, Philippines–Brent Paraiso did more than just play a key role in Terrafirma’s upset win over NLEX in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Paraiso contributed 18 points, including a go-ahead layup off a foul in the final minute that broke a tie and eventually helped the Dyip pull off a 114-109 victory that ended the Road Warriors’ unbeaten run.

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During one huddle, Paraiso was seen sitting on the coach’s chair and calling the shots on what he and the rest of Terrafirma would like to run after the timeout.

“[Assistant coach Jaren Jarencio] instructed us point guards to run our plays,” Paraiso said. “For us, it’s like one of our ways to jell as a team.

“The coaches are very open to any of our suggestions. It’s like they put a lot of trust in us during the game,” added Paraiso.

Behind Paraiso, as well as import Justin Strings, Juami Tiongson and Maverick Ahanmisi, the Dyip were able to go 3-3 after starting the second round of the group stage on a bright note.

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That put Terrafirma in a tie for fourth in Group A with struggling Converge, which it will face on Tuesday.

“The coaches are instilling a lot of good things by changing the culture of the team which is to fight until the end,” Paraiso said.