Mahindra vs Alaska
Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:15 p.m. – NLEX vs TNT Katropa 7 p.m. – Alaska vs Mahindra
Mahindra and TNT Katropa stake their unbeaten records when they go up against separate rivals in the PBA Governors’ Cup today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Since TNT has a winning legacy to boot, focus will be on Mahindra.
Mahindra’s perfect start has raised many eyebrows, and even its assistant coach – Chris Gavina – found its early success astonishing.
But whether Mahindra is for real will be known when they go up against multi-titled Alaska at 7 p.m.
Led by the exciting Jason Castro, the Tropang Texters, on the other hand, go for win No. 4 against sister team the NLEX Road Warriors.
Regarded as one of the finest guards in the Asian region, Castro is averaging 23 points.
To prove their first two wins were no fluke, the Enforcer slayed a giant in San Miguel Beer last week.
Inspired by the presence of head coach and now Senator Manny Pacquiao, the Enforcer pulled off a 105103 thriller over the Beermen in a win Gavina said was the product of their sacrifices and hard work during the off season.
And he describes their game against the Aces as a step towards their goal of advancing to the playoff for the first time.
“Our game against Alaska is pivotal for our goal of reaching the playoffs,” said Gavina. “So our preparation just like our previous three games is one of a playoffs do-or-die mentality.”
“We have stayed hungry and looking forward to going head-to-head with a very strong and talented Alaska squad,” added Gavina, whose team will face a team that suffered a 120-118 defeat to TNT last Friday.
Leading the Enforcer is import James White, who is averaging 28 points and 13 rebounds, while backing him up are locals KG Canaleta, Aldrech Ramos, LA Revilla, Jason Ballesteros, Mark Yee and rookie Bradwyn Guinto.
As for Alaska, coach Alex Compton will rely on import Don Henton, who averages nearly 33 points per game with almost 12 rebounds.
Also coming off suspension is the durable Asi Taulava who will one against face his former team.
Without the 6-foot-10 Taulava, the Road Warriors suffered an 85-72 defeat to Ginebra last week.