Mahindra seeks breakthrough win, takes on NLEX

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The transformation of Mahindra (formerly Kia) from a team to beat to a legitimate threat this season is not lost on many, foremost of whom is NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

“Kudos to (playing-) coach Manny (Pacquiao) and their coaching staff because they are now a team to reckon with,” stated Fernandez, whose charges are also raising some eyebrows.

Which between the Enforcers and Road Warriors would prove to be a tougher nut to crack is set to be known Friday when they clash in the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena.

A victory by NLEX would bounce it back from a tough loss and push it alongside idle San Miguel Beer and Alaska at second-running spot, while Mahindra is simply trying to crash the win-column on its fourth try.

Fernandez would hate it if his team becomes the Enforcers’ first victim in the season-opening conference, but also admits their foes have the tools to pull it off.

“Mahindra is now a different team with the addition of (Nino) Canaleta, (Aldrech) Ramos and (Bradwyn) Guinto. This is a dangerous team,” said Fernandez.
“Their three losses is not an indication of how strong they are because those are close games.”

Indeed, Mahindra’s tough opening assignments ranged it up against pre-tournament favorites Rain or Shine, Talk N Text and Alaska. The Enforcers lost by 14 to the Elasto Painters, but began showing their mettle by bowing by just four points to the Tropang Texters and Aces.

That 94-98 loss to Alaska last Friday in Dubai only strengthened Mahindra’s resolve to go for that breakthrough against NLEX, which is coming off a 95-97 loss to Star last Sunday.

“Tomorrow’s game is very crucial and important for us. We’re 0-3 so we need to start winning kasi nga nasa bottom kami,” said Enforcers assistant coach Chito Victolero, calling the shots in lieu of Pacquiao.

“But positive naman kami because we played very well the last time. Iyun nga lang iyung breaks sa huli hindi napupunta sa amin and we played the top three teams. We need lang to play for 48 minutes and learn to finish the game,” added Victolero.

What should make Mahindra more lethal is the expected return to action of Karl Dehesa and Kyle Pascual, who both missed the team’s last two games due to illness.

With LA Revilla proving to be solid with averages of 18 points, five rebounds and as many assists, Ramos and Canaleta doing their share both on the court and in the locker room and 14th overall pick Guinto more than living up to expectations with 11.3 points and 13.67 rebounds per game, NLEX has its work cut out for it.

“We have to contain Revilla and we have to block out because they are the No. 1 team in rebounding,” was how Fernandez laid out his basic gameplan.

“And we have to execute and take care of the ball because Mahindra is one of the best teams right now in forcing turnovers. (NC)

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