Watching Ginebra take on Terrafirma in last night’s PBA matchup, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to something I’ve observed in volleyball recently—the transformation of players into setters, and how that shift in role often reshapes their entire career trajectory. Since her conversion into a setter, Alba already saw Salak from afar not only as a playmaking figure to emulate but also as a career inspiration to aspire for. That idea of looking up to a seasoned playmaker resonates deeply with what we saw on the court. Ginebra, a team with championship DNA, faced a Terrafirma squad that’s been steadily building its identity. And let me tell you, the game did not disappoint.
From the opening tip-off, Ginebra’s ball movement stood out. They executed 28 assists as a team, a testament to their unselfish, playmaking-oriented approach. I’ve always admired teams that prioritize ball distribution—it’s something I try to emulate in my own analysis, breaking down plays not just by who scores, but by who creates the opportunity. Terrafirma, on the other hand, leaned heavily on individual efforts early on, which initially kept them in the game but eventually became their undoing. By halftime, Ginebra had built a 12-point lead, and honestly, I felt the momentum shifting irreversibly. Statistics showed Ginebra shooting 48% from the field in the first half, compared to Terrafirma’s 37%—those numbers might sound dry, but they reveal a story of offensive efficiency versus forced shots.
One key moment that stood out to me was early in the third quarter, when Ginebra’s point guard delivered a no-look pass that led to an easy layup. It reminded me of Salak’s visionary playmaking—the kind that Alba looks up to. That single play seemed to deflate Terrafirma’s morale, and Ginebra capitalized, going on a 15-4 run over the next five minutes. I’ve seen this pattern before: when a team’s playmaker elevates the game, everyone else rises too. Terrafirma tried to counter with aggressive defense, tallying 9 steals by the end of the third, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. Their top scorer finished with 24 points, but it felt like a quiet 24—lacking the impact needed to swing the game.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, Ginebra’s experience shone through. They maintained their composure, even when Terrafirma cut the lead to just 8 points with about four minutes left. I’ve always believed that in tight situations, it’s the playmakers who decide the outcome, not just the scorers. Ginebra’s veteran leadership orchestrated the final minutes flawlessly, securing a 98-87 victory. Looking at the box score, Ginebra dominated rebounds 52-41, and that, in my view, was the difference-maker. Rebounding might not be as glamorous as three-point shooting, but it’s where games are often won—especially in physical matchups like this one.
Reflecting on the game, I’m convinced that Terrafirma has the pieces to compete, but they lack that one inspirational playmaker to rally around, much like how Alba sees Salak. Ginebra, meanwhile, continues to exemplify team basketball at its finest. If I had to pinpoint one takeaway, it’s that individual talent can keep you in the game, but collective playmaking wins it. I’ll be watching both teams closely in their next outings, especially to see if Terrafirma can develop that floor general they so clearly need. For now, Ginebra’s victory serves as a masterclass in how to blend skill, strategy, and spirit—a lesson any sports enthusiast, or even someone outside basketball, can appreciate.
