Jay R. Gotera
MANILA — The Mahindra Enforcers struck down another major title contender, stunning the Alaska Aces, 101-95, Wednesday night for their fourth straight win in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Just last week, Mahindra defeated the powerhouse defending champion San Miguel Beer to add to their wins against GlobalPort Batang Pier and Star Hotshots.
The Enforcers’ victory Wednesday had double exclamation points as they achieved it by rallying from 16 points down. The game also featured the return of Mahindra playing coach, world boxing icon and now newly elected Senator Manny Pacquiao. He entered the game in the first quarter, played for two minutes and 59 seconds and missed one shot attempt. Pacquiao replaced playmaker LA Revilla who broke his nose in practice and will be out for at least two weeks.
Mahindra thus remained tied with the TNT Ka-Tropa at the top of the standings.
Mahindra import James White exploded for 32 points on a near flawless 13-for-15 shooting from the field. He also grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out two assists, including a crucial one to rookie Keith Agovida whose basket in the final minute sealed the win for the Enforcers.
Aldrech Ramos scored 14 points, KG Canaleta added 13 markers while Agovida chipped in 11.
TNT Ka-Tropa 101, NLEX 95
The TNT Ka-Tropa came from behind to hack out a 101-95 win over the NLEX Road Warriors.
It was the Ka-Tropa’s fourth straight win, maintaining their share of the top spot in the standings alongside the surprising Mahindra Enforcers. NLEX fell to a 1-3 win-loss card.
Top gunner Jayson Castro once again displayed all-around brilliance, posting a team-high 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Rookie Troy Rosario came from sick bay to finish with a double-double 20 points and 11 rebounds on top of two blocks.
Import Mario Little added 18 points, including a clutch three-pointer with 24 ticks left that sealed the victory for TNT. Ka-Tropa’s Asian import Michael Madanly chipped in 10 points.
NLEX was up by nine points early in the fourth quarter when Castro took over the game, scoring or assisting on 16 of TNT’s first 21 points of the period.
The Road Warriors came charging back to regain the lead heading into the homestretch. With about two minutes left, NLEX was still on top, 93-92.
But TNT’s Rosario scored five points in a row to give his team a four-point lead, 97-93, in the final minute.
After NLEX’s Asi Taulava made two free throws, Castro set up a wide-open Little for a three-pointer from the left corner to seal the victory.
2016 All-Star Weekend
Meanwhile, the 2016 All-Star Weekend begins Thursday, to be capped by the North All-Stars vs. South All-Stars game Sunday, Aug. 7.
Starters for the North All-Stars are Mark Caguioa (Barangay Ginebra), Terrence Romeo (GlobalPort Batang Pier), Marc Pingris (Star Hotshots), Japeth Aguilar (Barangay Ginebra) and Calvin Abueva (Alaska Aces).
Reserves are Jayson Castro (TNT KaTropa), Alex Cabagnot (San Miguel Beermen), Gabe Norwood (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters), Paul Lee (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters), Ranidel de Ocampo (TNT KaTropa), Stanley Pringle (GlobalPort Batang Pier) and Troy Rosario (TNT KaTropa).
Head coach is Yeng Guiao (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters).
Starters for the South All-Stars are James Yap (Star Hotshots), Scottie Thompson (Barangay Ginebra), Asi Taulava (NLEX Road Warriors), June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel Beermen), Joe Devance (Barangay Ginebra).
Reserves are J.R. Quiñahan (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters), Jeffrei Chan (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters). Jericho Cruz (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters), Chris Ross (San Miguel Beermen), Mark Barroca (Star Hotshots), RR Garcia (Star Hotshots), Carlo Lastimosa (Blackwater Elite).
Head coach is Leo Austria (San Miguel Beermen).
Friday schedule (All-Star Weekend): Obstacle Challenge, 3-point shootout, the slam dunk competition and the Blitz game between the Greats and Stalwarts.
