MAHINDRA proved that it is for real after notching one of its biggest wins in franchise history.
The Enforcers showed that they are no pretenders as they caught a big fish, shocking defending champion San Miguel Beer, 105-103, to list their third straight win and continue to impress in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Mahindra import James White once again put up huge numbers with game-highs of 34 points and 11 rebounds to power his squad to yet another victory.
The Enforcers, who are making heads turn with their phenomenal play, are enjoying their best start as a franchise and are now in solo first place at 3-0, while the Beermen slipped to 2-1 after tasting their first setback in the conference.
It was as if Mahindra was the more seasoned team as it came out with a methodical approach and tougher stand in the clutch. The Enforcers held the lead for most part of the game and were able to come through in crunch time despite the threat from the Beermen.
Paolo Taha’s jumper with 1:18 remaining gave Mahindra back the lead, 103-102, while Chito Jaime followed up with two more free throws with 43 seconds left to push the Enforcers’ lead to 105-102.
June Mar Fajardo’s split from the line with 36 seconds remaining kept San Miguel in it at 105-103, but the Beermen weren’t able to score anymore, allowing the Enforcers to hold on.
“Our guys showed our fortitude just like in our other games. We really treated this game as a playoff game,” said Mahindra deputy coach Chris Gavina. “It’s a great effort from our guys. Their determination and level of consistency are there.”
After being away from quite sometime, Senator Manny Pacquiao, technically Mahindra’s coach-player, was present at the Enforcers’ bench but did not suit up nor call the shots for the team.
“Nagkataong wala akong session ngayon so nagkaroon ako ng time para manood at suportahan ang team ko,” said Pacquiao.
Arizona Reid misfired on his potential game-winning three-point attempt with two seconds left.
Nino Canaleta added 17 points for Mahindra.
The scores:
MAHINDRA 105—White 34, Canaleta 17, Taha 12, Agovida 10, Ramos 9, Revilla 8, Pinto 6, Yee 3, Guinto 2, Jaime 2, Zandi 2, Ballesteros 0, Digregorio 0, Aguilar 0.
SAN MIGUEL 103—Reid 43, Cabagnot 15, Fajardo 13, Arana 11, Lassiter 10, Reyes 4, Tubid 3, Mabulac 2, Ross 2, David 0, De Ocampo 0, Heruela 0.
Quarters: 28-27, 48-48, 81-74, 105-103
Games Friday
(Ynares Center, Antipolo City)
4:15 p.m. – Blackwater vs. Rain or Shine
7 p.m. – Alaska vs. Tropang TNT
