Antonio Hester on Terrafirma's comeback win vs Blackwater: 'They're not the only team desperate for wins'

The Terrafirma Dyip denied Blackwater the chance to end its long drought as the they eked out a 109-103 victory on Saturday in the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup.

But they were less concerned about being the team Blackwater would have beaten to snap what is now a 24-game losing streak, than they were about earning a much-needed addition to their win column.

Import Antonio Hester, who keyed Terrafirma's late fourth quarter surge, said the Dyip needed the win as much as the Bossing did as they were in a three-game losing skid of their own prior to the game.

"First of all, they're not the only team desperate for wins. We're in the same position as them. We're working hard just like the other teams in the league right now," said Hester in the post-game interview.

"And it may not show in the beginning but since the break, we've been progressing as a team. I think it was shown tonight, being down and fighting and getting back to the game to finishing strong."

Terrafirma head coach John Cardel echoed Hester's sentiment, saying they looked at Blackwater as equals.

"I told them that this is not a weak team and I told them that we needed this win to get our confidence back. We're just lucky to get this win," added Cardel, whose team improved to 2-4.

In fact, the Dyip had to navigate some murky waters as they saw themselves down 96-84 with 5:28 left in the payoff period before they exploded for an 18-0 run en route to reclaiming the lead at 102-96.

A steal and slam by Hester capped the game for Terrafirma.

"I told them to settle down, we have a lot of time and just make a stop. Every time we got the ball, we converted it. We just kept on playing good defense and not committing fouls," Cardel shared.

Terrafirma will have a break before facing the Alaska Aces on February 19, Saturday.

—JMB, GMA News