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Mahindra, NLEX seek share of lead
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NLEX vs Mahindra. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
With two upset wins under its belt Mahindra has made everybody sit up and take notice.
Including NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez, whose Road Warriors have to tackle the Enforcers Friday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A second straight win by either NLEX or Mahindra would give it at least a share of the lead, but must first hurdle each other in what promises to be an exciting match.
“Mahindra has been playing really well as of late,” noted Fernandez. “They had been shooting well from the outside and they are really playing well as a team.”
Indeed, the Enforcers have shown generally uncanny cohesion and deft touch in not only fashioning a 111-98 surprise over GlobalPort in their opening game but also in pulling the rug from under Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer 102-96 last Saturday.
Enforcers assistant coach Chito Victolero, calling the shots in lieu of playing-coach Manny Pacquiao, said they intend to bring that exact same game against NLEX.
“Very important game since we are tied in the standings,” stated Victolero. “We need to play consistent basketball for 48 minutes because NLEX has been playing very well, especially in the second half.”
A big part of NLEX’s success could be attributed to its frontline led by Al Thornton, who has been averaging a tournament-high 37.33 points on top of 9.0 rebounds and 2.67 assists per game.
Sean Anthony and Asi Taulava have also been doing their share, usually combining for more than 26 points and 24 rebounds a night. The likes of backcourt men Jonas Villanueva and Kevin Alas have also consistently done their part with Garvo Lanete even chipping in, as shown when he exploded for a career-high 21 points in a 106-99 win over Star last Saturday.
Mahindra’s arsenal is not lacking either. Augustus Gilchrist has been averaging 19.67 points and 11.33 boards, Nino Canaleta 16 points and LA Revilla and Karl Dehesa ably tending the backcourt while joining hands for more than 24 points and eight dimes a contest.
Other Enforcers could also show up big-time, as what Aldrech Ramos did against SMB, scoring 26 points anchored on 6-for-7 three-point shooting.
It is on the other end of the court both coaches want their players to focus more on, however.
“We have to bring our defensive mentality if we want to win versus Mahindra,” stressed Fernandez.
“We should have a hard time matching up against Asi and Thorton, but hopefully our (general) game plan will work,” said Victolero.
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