PBA: Ali Mubashar erupts for 50 as Terrafirma shuts out Converge in OT upset

Ali Mubashar caught fire and never cooled down, powering Terrafirma to a stunning 111-100 overtime victory against Converge in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup on Saturday at the Ynares Center Montalban. 

Mubashar detonated for 50 points, highlighted by an impressive 7-of-11 shooting from the three-point area, while also grabbing 25 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and a steal as the Dyip surged to a 2-0 start. 

The loss stunned the FiberXers, considered as one of the favorites this conference, as they now hold a 1-1 card following a statement win over guest team Macau last Wednesday. 

Terrafirma climbed from an 11-point deficit and staged a furious second half barrage with Mubashar sending the Dyip to a 98-96 lead courtesy of his triple late in the fourth period. 

Converge could have regained the lead, but Juan Gomez de Liaño's three-pointer was disallowed after an offensive foul was called on him against Geo Chiu. 

Archie Concepcion, though, gave Converge a 100-98 cushion after completing a three-point play on the next possession before Mubashar drilling an easy layup off an inbound pass from Maverick Ahanmisi to force overtime. 

It was all Terrafirma in the extra period. 

Jerrick Ahanimisi started the shutout with a triple before Mubashar split his free throws and knocked down another long bomb to send the Dyip to a 107-100 advantage with 2:07 to go. 

Maverick buried a layup off a steal from Chiu before Mubashar sealed the huge upset with another basket, allowing Terrafirma to eclipse its total win output from the last Philippine Cup, where it finished with a 1–10 record.

While Mubashar had a big night, the all-around import also got a huge help from the locals with Ahanmisi finishing with 14 points, five assists, and two rebounds. Paolo Hernandez chipped in 13 points and six assists and Chiu posted nine markers, 13 boards, and two dimes. 

Scores:

Terrafirma 111 – Mubashar 50, J. Ahanmisi 14, Hernandez 13, Chiu 9, M.Ahanmisi 8, Bravo 7, Eriobu 6, Umali 4, Adamos 0, Hanapi 0, Zaldivar 0.

Converge 100 – Kelley 17, Gomez de Liano 17, Stockton 15, Baltazar 13, Policarpio 11, Concepcion 10, Arana 6, Williams 5, Clemente 3, Garcia 3, Muyang 0.

Quarters: 24-25, 40-48, 70-75, 100-100, 111-100.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News