Dyip kicks off PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a resounding win over Titan

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Terrafirma Dyip finally had a winning start to a PBA conference, crushing the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 112-82, on opening day of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on March 11, 2026, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

After consecutive losing seasons in the league, Terrafirma’s ultimate goal of shocking the PBA might be within reach, especially with a statement win like that over the Giant Risers.

After a slow scoring start in the opening quarter, Terrafirma stepped on the gas in the opening minutes of the next frame, receiving a timely boost from their import, Mubashar Ali, who feasted inside the paint and schooled the loose Titan Ultra defense.

Aside from Ali, Jerrick Ahanmisi also went unconscious from the field, scoring 10 of his team’s final 15 points in the second quarter to help Terrafirma establish a 12-point cushion at the half.

Titan Ultra threatened to reverse the tide in the third, as an efficient start to the second half was led by their import Michael Gilmore and scoring machine Joshua Munzon.

The one-two punch trimmed Titan Ultra’s deficit to just five points, but a demoralizing 13-2 counterattack from Terrafirma spoiled their chances of taking over the driver’s seat.

Terrafirma intensified its efforts on the break and pushed the pace harder, resulting in a massive 37-point performance in the third quarter that ballooned its advantage to 27 points entering the final canto.

With little going for Titan Ultra except Gilmore’s consistent paint threat, the coaching staff decided to call it a day and underwent a bench overhaul with six minutes still remaining in the game.

Ali was a force to be reckoned with after posting an impressive PBA debut, tallying 27 big points built on four made 3-pointers and 11 rebounds.

Ahanmisi also came up huge for the Dyip after erupting for 26 markers, seven assists and five steals, while Joseph Eriobu added 17 points.

On the other hand, Titan Ultra’s Gilmore led all scorers with a dominant 33-point outing, but his personal heroics failed to match Terrafirma’s well-oiled artillery.

Terrafirma aims for back-to-back wins on March 14, 2026, against the Converge FiberXers, which earlier took down guest team Macau Bears, while Titan Ultra targets its first import-laced conference win on March 15, 2026, against the Phoenix Fuel Masters.