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Mahindra treating match vs San Miguel as ‘playoff game’

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Mahindra has never been in the playoffs in its young PBA existence, but new coach Chris Gavina is foremost among those expecting his Enforcer to go deep in the Governors Cup and be recognized as a legitimate contender in the process.

That explains why Gavina is treating his team’s game against San Miguel Beer Wednesday as more than a mere elimination round assignment.

“We have prepared for this game as if it is a playoff game and we will need the discipline, focus and pure will needed in a playoff game if we will be able to adapt and overcome a team like San Miguel,” said Gavina on the eve of the match.

In truth, Mahindra and SMB are gunning for a third win in as many games and solo leadership.

The game has extra meaning for the Enforcer as they have a chance to reach a 3-0 mark for the first time since joining the league prior to the 2014-15 season and has finished no higher than ninth since.

Yet SMB coach Leo Austria has seen what Mahindra is capable of in its first two games against Star and GlobalPort, prompting him to stress to his charges the need to be on their toes.

“Hindi p’wedeng balewalain ang Mahindra,” said Austria Tuesday. “It has all the right ingredients para maging contender in this conference and it would surely cost us dearly if we think we could win against them by just showing up.”

Gavina, tapped before the conference to call the shots for the Enforcer in the absence of playing-coach Manny Pacquiao, is simply hoping his players are ready for a test bigger than their first two tussles.

“We have a tremendous challenge in going up against defending champion San Miguel,” said the rookie coach.
“Their combinations of explosive guards and the most dominating big man in the league pose a big task for my guys.”

Gavina is referring to SMB’s Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross and Ryan Arana, as well as two-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, who have ably supported Arizona Reid in their wins against Phoenix and NLEX.

Reid has been his usualy old reliable self, averaging 32 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists an outing in leading those Beermen holding the fort in the absence of Arwind Santos and Gabby Espinas, both recuperating from injuries.

For its part, Mahindra continues to draw splendid games from rookie import James White, a high-flyer fresh out of Georgia Tech who has so far been averaging 25 points, 14 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.

Aldrech Ramos, Iranian Iman Zandi Mashaddy, LA Revilla, Paolo Taha and Nino Canaleta have so far complemented White’s game.

“They have an import who can score, rebound and protect the rim at mayroon din silang mga players who can hurt you from both inside and out,” noted Austria.

“We have to at least match their energy and execute on both ends for us to have a chance against them.” (NC)

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