Terrafirma’s Alex Cabagnot. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—New team but same old Alex Cabagnot.
In just his second game, the 39-year-old point guard added another chapter to his ever-growing book of late-game heroics as he steered Terrafirma to a 112-106 overtime win against Rain or Shine in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Cabagnot, who was traded to the Dyip from San Miguel during the break between conferences, finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists, three of which came in the closing run in overtime.
The nine-time champion, who logged zero turnovers in the game, said that the team didn’t do anything out of the ordinary come overtime and the plays they executed were all part of their typical playbook.
“Give thanks to the coaches because we didn’t run anything out of the ordinary,” said Cabagnot. “We stuck to the things we were practicing and we didn’t do anything special.”
Cabagnot orchestrated a 9-0 run in overtime that put the Dyip up 112-104 with 10 seconds remaining with three of the four plays they executed all from his assists.
He and Aldrech Ramos connected twice in the final two minutes with first ending in a three-pointer for Terrafirma’s 106-104 lead at the 1:33 mark then for another basket with the 6-foot-5 forward converting underneath for the 108-104 cushion with 59 seconds to play.
Cabagnot’s final assist of the game was in a pick-and-roll play with Antonio Hester that allowed the big man to cruise for an easy layup for Terrafirma’s 110-104 lead with 29 seconds remaining.
“Aldrech has been in the league for a long time and he’s already had the composure, but we also have young guys so these are the games where you get your stripes,” said Cabagnot. “Hopefully we can sustain this.”