Mahindra eyes bounce back win vs NLEX
DESPITE being relatively new on the job Mahindra assistant coach Chris Gavina has proven to be a fast learner, as attested to by his PBA Governors Cup record.
The rest of the Enforcer need to absorb lessons just as quick and how they do so should be shown when they face an equally determined NLEX crew Wednesday in what could be a critical juncture for the combatants at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The match features an NLEX team wanting to continue its climb up the standings and a Mahindra squad hoping the bump it just hit is exactly only that in its quest for a first-ever playoffs appearance.
The Enforcer actually could have stayed on course of their immediate target and at least continued sharing the lead if not for a 94-100 loss to Phoenix last Friday.
In that game, Mahindra led by as many as 20 points in the first half, only to wilt in the face of the more balanced fightback by the Fuel Masters.
Gavina is just hoping his team has put the Phoenix game behind it. but not the experience gained. “A highly pivotal game for us, especially coming off a loss,” said the chief assistant to playing-coach Manny Pacquiao.
“We’re just going back to what has made us successful thus far and that’s just to play Enforcer basketball,” added Gavina. “To us, if we play disciplined defense, selfless basketball and everyone is mindful of each other’s success then the outcome of the game takes care of itself.”
NLEX is coming off an 88-85 win over Star last Friday, cutting short the Road Warriors’ three-game slide and plucking them away from the bottom four.
Only the top eight teams following the 11-game eliminations advance to the quarterfinals.
Despite Mahindra’s loss, or because of it, NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez expects his team to have its hands full. “Mahindra had been playing well under a new coach and they have a very good import,” he said.
“We have to match their energy and effort if we want to upset them,” added Fernandez. “We have to challenge really hard on their shots and we will have to battle on the rebounds. We have to play solid on defense and offense to give ourselves a chance to win.”
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