PBA: Matchup vs childhood idol fuels Mark Nonoy in Terrafirma win

Mark Nonoy drives past Jayson Castro during a game between TNT Tropang Giga and Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—In Terrafirma’s final game of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Mark Nonoy didn’t need to look far for extra motivation to push the Dyip in their chase for a lone win in the import-laden conference.

All he needed was to look across the court and there he was– his biggest motivation–TNT’s veteran guard Jayson Castro.

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READ: PBA: Mark Nonoy propels Terrafirma past TNT for lone win

“I got inspired by Kuya Jayson. This is our first time facing off against each other. Even back then from my childhood to grade school until high school, I’ve been watching him play,” said Nonoy in Filipino after their 117-108 win over the Tropang Giga at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Wednesday.

“He’s one of the PBA players that really inspires me. I was confident because I wanted to give him some challenge because that’s my idol.”

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Nonoy’s heroics allowed Terrafirma to exit its forgettable conference with a win for a 1-11 record.

The rookie out of La Salle exploded for 33 points, four rebounds and four assists in the upset win over the reigning PBA Governors’ Cup champions.

READ: PBA: Mark Nonoy soaking up lessons from Terrafirma veterans

Coming off the bench with just 23 minutes of action, Nonoy made the most of his time with a blistering 76.9 percent field goal shooting clip built on two four-pointers and five triples.

Nonoy admitted that team’s morale has taken a hit lately with their losing trend, but the team’s veterans gave them a push.

“ In practice, other players are almost losing excitement but we have leaders that told us that this game is our last push,” said Nonoy.

“Our coaches trusted us and me and then we responded as a team. I’m thankful because before our conference ended, we notched our first win.”