Dyip running smoothly

ANTIPOLO, Philippines — Terrafirma’s new-look team passed a tough test against NLEX by the skin of its teeth, 113-112, to go two in a row in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup yesterday at the Ynares Center.

It wasn’t the prettiest of victories but for the Dyip, it was more of a “character win.”

John Cardel’s charges pulled it off with import Thomas Hugo de Thaey sitting on the bench in the last 2:55 and the Road Warriors on a high-octane chase after trailing by 10.

The Dyip survived a wild finish, where NLEX import Thomas Robinson was awarded two potential tying free throws with 1.3 seconds left off a foul from Andreas Cahilig that they vehemently contested.

Robinson made the front end, putting Terrafirma on pins and needles. To their relief, the fancied NLEX import missed the second and rookie Kemark Carino grabbed the rebound as the final buzzer sounded.

“Muntik na ako atakihin sa puso,” Cardel said upon entering the pressroom for the post-game gab.

“I’m really frustrated with the call but we had to move on and stay focused…We’re hoping ma-miss and sinwerte kami na-miss ‘yung huli. We’re lucky to have this win.”

Later, Phoenix (2-1) got back on track with a 99-98 escape act over Rain or Shine (0-3).