Mahindra rips Blackwater, ends skid
Games Wednesday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:15 p.m. – NLEX vs Meralco 7 p.m. – San Miguel vs Alaska
Mahindra, inspired by the return of senator and designated playing coach Manny Pacquiao, snapped a two-game losing skid while boosting its bid for a first-ever playoff berth by beating Blackwater, 99-87, last night in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Pacquiao even regaled league fans when he knocked down his first career three-pointer in the second quarter on his way to finishing a career-high four points. His presence alone was enough to give the Enforcer the added motivation.
Import James White had 23 points and 19 rebounds in another stellar show while Aldrech Ramos finished with 15 points.
Paolo Taha also had some shining moments, coming off the bench to score 13 points, and LA Revilla dished out 10 assists while wearing a black mask in his return after injuring his nose as Mahindra improved to 5-2.
The Enforcer won after dropping their last two assignments against the Phoenix Fuel Masters (100-94) and, earlier this week against the NLEX Road Warriors (82-81).
Meanwhile, the PBA paid tribute to the late great coach Baby Dalupan prior to the start of the second game between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Rain or Shine.
Atoy Co, Allan Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio, and PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa joined hands in pressing the final buzzer in honor of Dalupan, who passed last Wednesday at the age of 92.
Lead assistant coach Chris Gavina said Pacquiao instructed the team to move the ball and find the best possible shot.
“We really just focused on things that made us 4-0,” said Gavina. “As coach Manny said, players can only stay for three seconds on their spot. If they’re there (past three seconds) they’ll be fined P20 pesos, which would go to the coaches’ fund.”
Asked about Mahindra getting closer to its playoff bid, Pacquiao stressed that his team is aiming for the bigger prize.
“Sa blessing ng Panginoon, saka sa sipag ng mga players, nakikinig sila sa instructions ng mga coaches namin e, masaya kami sa team and maganda results,” said Pacquiao.
“Hindi lang playoffs (target), siyempre ang goal mag-champion,” he added.
Playing his first game since beating Alaska, 101-95, last Aug. 3, Pacquiao made his first three since he started dabbling into professional hoops in 2014 in the second quarter.
The multi-titled boxer got the ball from John Pinto before firing the shot from about 25 feet and off the outstretched arm of Blackwater rookie Art dela Cruz for his first basket from rainbow territory for a 46-36 lead.
Pacquiao later described it as a “lucky shot”.
“Ok naman, ayos lang, masaya kasi nanalo kami. Sinibukan ko lang yun… na-tsambahan lang pala,” said Pacquiao, who missed his previous 12 attempts from three-point range.
White 23, Ramos 15, Taha 13, Canaleta 8, Digregorio 8, Elorde 6, Bagatsing 5, Agovida 4, Pacquiao 4, Yee 4, Ballesteros 1, Aguilar 0, Guinto 0, Revilla 0.
Lastimosa 17, Dawson 15, Miranda 10, Pascual 10, Qawash 9, Dela Cruz 7, Melano 7, Sena 6, Cervantes 4, Canada 2, Gamalinda 1, Reyes 0, Sumang 0.
Quarters: 18-14; 46-39; 74-63; 97-88.