Mahindra snaps TNT’s unbeaten run
PBA IMAGES
Mahindra’s sharp axe claimed the scalp of another usual league heavyweight and brought in a cherished bounty in the process.
James White was his usual reliable self with 24 points and 10 rebounds and the Enforcer’s bench rose to the occasion, resulting in a 107-104 victory over erstwhile unbeaten TNT KaTropa Friday in the 2016 PBA Governors Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The likes of Paolo Taha, KG Canaleta, LA Revilla and Mike DiGregorio chipped in significant contributions in sustaining Mahindra’s drive as it racked up a second straight win and improved to a second-running 6-2 record.
The slate should assure the Enforcer of at least a tie for one of the eight spots in the quarterfinals following the 11-game eliminations.
Chris Gavina, chief assistant to playing-coach Manny Pacquiao, said notching another franchise milestone following the team’s 4-0 start just proves the system he instituted before the season-ending tourney is paying off.
“This is definitely new ground for us, so we’re happy we just made franchise history with… six wins in a conference,” said Gavina, whose game-calling has already claimed other victims in Star, defending champion San Miguel Beer and Alaska.
“We’re definitely moving towards the right direction,” added Gavina, “but we’re trying to stay level-headed as possible, not to try to get too high or too low. Just stay consistent with what we do on a day-in, day-out basis and move forward from here.”
The loss stopped TNT’s six-game winning run, although it remained on top of the leaderboard at 6-1.
This one should sting, though, as the Texters failed to match the Enforcer’s pace from late in the third quarter on and more so in the crunch that saw both teams engage in a sputtering finish.
Jayson Castro wound up with a personal conference-high 33 points and Mychal Lemar Ammons notched a third straight double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds.
But The Texters’ bench were soundly beaten by their Enforcer counterparts, 28-66, with relievers Taha, Canaleta, Revilla and DiGregorio chipping in at least 11 points apiece.
Taha’s steal off Ryan Reyes’ inbound pass resulted in his two charities that made it a 106-98 count and not even late triples by Castro could not prevent TNT’s fall.
“Nerve-wracking game. First off, I really want to commend Talk N Text. There’s definitely a reason why they’re unbeaten going to this game,” said Gavina.
“We’re really fortunate we executed our gameplan going in. Our guys were really dialled in,” added Gavina. “Like I said going to this game, it would take nothing less than a championship effort for us to come out with a victory today. Our level of preparation, their willingness to play for one another, our selfless style of basketball kicked in throughout the whole game.
“It was really a collective effort, so a lot of credit goes to the sheer determination of our guys to pull this game out.”
That became apparent after Larry Fonacier canned two freebies to make it an 87-90 count as Canaleta and Revilla boomed in a triple each to give Mahindra more separation.
Revilla also hooked up with White for an alley-oop play, making it a 101-92 count, 2:09 left to play.
Mahindra’s determination to steal the game started fully manifesting itself in the third quarter, after Troy Rosario’s putback pushed TNT ahead, 72-71.
TNT’s hold on the lead proved to be a brief one as Chito Jaime boomed in a triple while Canaleta and DiGregorio struck from the stripe to give the Enforcer a 78-72 cushion to end the period.
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