Ramos, Canaleta lift Mahindra past NLEX for first win

By Randolph B. Leongson

Aldrech Ramos and Nino Canaleta powered Mahindra to a 103-93 stunner over their former team NLEX in the 2015-2016 Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup Friday at Philsports Arena.

The two players, who were acquired by the Enforcers in the offseason in the blockbuster trade which included second overall pick Troy Rosario, showed the way for Mahindra in its breakthrough win in the conference.

“We played with a sense of urgency. I told them to not get frustrated and just keep believing,” said coach Chito Victolero.

“Medyo nawala na rin yung pressure dahil nakuha na namin yung first win. Yung mga bata, they really worked hard on our practice. They want to prove something, they want to prove that they can win.”

Ramos finished with 14 points and six rebounds, while Canaleta also got 14 markers and five boards.

“I think may motivational factor din yun sa kanila kasi galing sila dyan. Pero mga beterano na sila. They know what to do and they need to play a normal game and step up on our offense,” said Victolero of the former NLEX stalwarts.

Kyle Pascual also came up big with 14 points, while LA Revilla got 13.

A huge first quarter burst allowed Mahindra to take a 26-16 lead and the Enforcers went on cruise control from their as they led as high as 21.

Asi Taulava spearheaded the Road Warriors with 31 points, 15 of which came in the failed fourth quarter fightback, alongside nine rebounds, but it was for naught as NLEX lost its second straight outing after a 2-0 start.

The scores:
MAHINDRA 103 – Canaleta 14, Pascual 14, Ramos 14, Revilla 13, Yee 11, Hubalde 9,Guinto 8, Pinto 7, Bagatsing 5, Alvarez 4, Dehesa 2, Webb 2, Jaime 0.
NLEX 93 – Taulava 31, Anthony 19, Enciso 9, Arboleda 8, Villanueva J. 8, Borboran 5, Cardona 4, Alas 3, Camson 2, Reyes 2, Apinan 1, Villanueva E. 1, Khobuntin 0, Lanete 0.
Quarters: 26-16, 51-43, 74-60, 103-93

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