MAHINDRA can thank rookie Reden Celda for keeping its PBA playoffs chances alive.
Celda capped off his career game with a go-ahead floater with 21.6 seconds left to propel Mahindra to a tough 122-121 overtime escape win over Phoenix in a very competitive match at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City yesterday.
The unheralded rookie, who have shown glimpses of potential on several occasions this season, had his biggest breakthrough game finally, scoring a career-high 25 points, on 11-of-17 shooting, including the game-winner, to help the Floodbuster remain in contention for a slot in the quarterfinals.
With his team down 120-121, Celda, drove hard to the left baseline and jacked up a tough floater to give his team the lead, 122-121.
Phoenix actually had several chances, four attempts to be exact, in the waning seconds but all of them went astray.
"For a rookie to carry that much load is just tremendous. He's very consistent for us," said Mahindra deputy coach Chris Gavina of his rising ward Celda.
LA Revilla top-scored for Mahindra with a game-high 26 points as he likewise had a big game.
As a result, the Floodbuster won its second straight game and improved to 3-7, to keep their hopes of making the next round alive.
The loss was huge for the Fuel Masters as they fell down to 4-6.
Phoenix import Jameel McKay led his squad with 18 points, but was limited down the stretch as he played through pain in his hamstring.
The scores:
MAHINDRA 122 – Revilla 26, Celda 25, Wright 18, Camson 17, Khobuntin 13, Deutchman 6, Teng 6, Corpuz 4, Nimes 3, Salva 2, Caperal 1, Paniamogan 1, Yee 0, Ballesteros 0.
PHOENIX 121 – McKay 18, Wright 17, Alolino 16, Borboran 15, Jazul 15, W. Wilson 10, Baguio 9, Intal 7, Eriobu 6, Dehesa 4, Kramer 2, Torres 2, Lanete 0.
Quarterscores: 27-30, 58-62, 93-93, 116-116,122-121.
