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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
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04
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20
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2024
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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
04
20
2024
Mahindra looks to break new ground in its PBA participation, seeking a first-ever victory versus Barangay Ginebra and a first 4-1 start in any tourney as the Enforcers and the Gin Kings clash in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Wednesday night.
Game time is at 7 p.m. with the Enforcers anticipating a tough night as they stake their hold of solo second place versus the Ginebra team coming off back-to-back victories.
“It’s a character game for us. It’s a test of character for us individually and as a team,” said Mahindra coach Chito Victolero.
“We know Ginebra is a very talented team plus they have the crowd so we need to be mentally tough. And I hope our game plan works,” Victolero also said.
Augustus Gilchrist and the other Mahindra big men dealt NLEX tremendous beating at the paint as the Enforcers clobbered the Road Warriors, 106-99, the last time out to stay right behind the pacesetting Meralco Bolts.
Gilchrist, Chito Jaime and Aldrech Ramos all came through with double-double numbers while KG Canaleta contributed 21 points and seven rebounds as the Enforcers matched their 3-1 win-loss start in the 2015 Governors Cup – the best by the franchise in any tournament it has played thus far.
“Experience is the best teacher. We’re maturing, we’re learning,” said Victolero.
But the question is whether they’re now tough enough versus the Gin Kings whom they haven’t beaten even once.
After a 0-2 conference start, Ginebra has got into the groove with back-to-back wins over Rain or Shine (103-92) and Star (92-87).
The Kings hope to build momentum, seeking to catch up with the Enforcers at 3-2.
Coach Tim Cone is happy with the progress of his team. And he’s particularly happy with what they’ve shown versus the Hotshots.
“Both teams played very well. We dominated early on, then Jason (Webb) made a great adjustment, putting in a big lineup to throw us off balance in the third. The good news was we settled down, we didn’t panic and we worked our way back,” said Cone.
Can they hold their ground against Gilchrist? That could well be a key factor in the Ginebra-Mahindra tussle.
Gilchrist averages 22.2 points, 11 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 blocks a game. He delivered 30 markers and 10 boards to lead Mahindra past NLEX in their last game.
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