The Mahindra Enforcers picked up a key 102-94 win over Alaska on Monday night to level their record to 4-4 while sending the Aces to their second straight loss.
In the main game, defending conference champions Tropang TNT cruised past a Yeng Guiao-less Rain or Shine crew, 114-103, to return to the .500 mark with a 4-4 record. The Elasto Painters, last season’s runner-up in the conference, also fell back to 4-4.
More updates from Monday night’s games and around the association in this Tuesday edition of the PBA Pass-Through.
Mahindra pursuing David?
Mahindra associate head coach Chito Victolero said the team is not closing its doors on picking up veteran shooter Gary David. While Victolero alone does not have full control over the situation, the mentor disclosed he hopes he and the management can come up with an agreement over it.
“Kahit anong team naman mapunta si Gary, I’m sure makakatulong siya. He was my teammate sa Air21, I know his attitude, yung work ethic niya,” Victolero said.
“It is not in my hands. We will have to consult the management but I will not close the door on Gary. Kung mapagkasunduan namin ng management, we can pursue Gary. There is a process on that. Right now, andoon pa rin sa plano.”
Victolero says Aldrech Ramos fits Mahindra system
Aldrech Ramos continues to perform well for the Mahindra Enforcers, and his last game was no exception. Ramos fired 25 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and shot 11-for-15 overall to lead Mahindra past Alaska.
After the game, Victolero lauded his main forward. The mentor also talked about his bigger role for the team and how he fits the system well.
“Aldrech naman, we want to give him more time to play. Nag-step up naman siya bigtime. I talked to him before the start of the season and I told him he will play a big role this season. I know his game too, I watched him grow as a player,” Victolero said,
“Yung system namin, bagay sa kanya eh. Siguro yun lang, lumabas ang laro niya.”
Lee fears contusion in left knee
Rain or Shine guard Paul Lee hurt his left knee during the second quarter of the team’s match against TNT. Lee challenged a Ryan Reyes triple, but the two players’ knees collided in the process, as both players went down for a few minutes.
Although Lee stayed on the bench, he did not return to play in the second half, going scoreless in 3:13 of play. After the game, Lee shared that the extent of the injury is still unknown, but he fears it might be a contusion as checked initially.
“Pagbagsak ko, natamaan na naman yung tuhod ko. Hopefully hindi naman ganoong ka-grabe. Baka contusion lang sa ITB, so wala pa namang (final). Ipapa-check ko ulit,” Lee said.
The backcourt player added that the Holy Week break will help him recover and determine how serious the injury is, and if he will be required to sit out for some matches.
“Malaking bagat yung break, kahit papano makaka-recover ako. Malalaman ko status ng tuhod ko,” he said.
Castro says pain ‘manageable’
Photo courtesy of PBA Images
Jayson Castro returned to action for the Tropang TNT and topscored with 26 points including 4-for-7 from three-point area. Castro also added four rebounds and four assists, helping TNT improve its record in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Castro admitted he still experiences some pain on his right heel, but also mentioned that he can play through it.
“Meron pang konti pero hindi pa naman ako totally a hundred percent. Sana magtuloy-tuloy na kasi minsan nagta-tight pa eh. Pero manageable na yung pain,” Castro shared.
“Maga lang naman siya. Confident naman ako na hindi siya bibigay dahil rin sa rehab ko.”
Carey treats kids on 37th birthday
Photo courtesy of PBA Images
TNT forward Harvey Carey celebrated his 37th birthday by bringing some less fortunate children from Childhope Asia Philippines to watch PBA’s Monday games live.
“The game of basketball is treating me well. I just want to give back. I am just playing my part and showing the kids a good time,” Carey said, adding sports figure Patricia Hizon helped him organize the little treat for the children.
“They are great kids despite their situations. They have big smiles on their faces, the enjoy the game, they are full of energy, very inspirational and humbling.”
