The Floodbuster just gave lead assistant coach Chris Gavina the best birthday gift they could give him.
On their coach’s 38th birthday, the Mahindra Floodbuster were able to pick up their third win of the season, taking a 106-96 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors, Friday evening at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Mahindra is now 3-7 in the standings after winning three of their last five games. NLEX stays at the cellar with a 2-8 slate.
“I want to thank God for giving me this gift on my birthday,” a grateful Gavina said. “I want to deflect the credit to the players who are starting to learn how to play for each other.”
Leading the celebration was Alex Mallari. The six-year league veteran almost picked up a triple double with a career-high 30 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
“Alex missed a triple-double today by just an assist,” Gavina remarked about Mallari’s performance. “He is leading our team and is giving his teammates the trust. He showed great fortitude especially in the end game.”
With the game tied at 77-all, the Filipino-American led a 12-4 Floodbuster rally — scoring all but a point during that sequence.
Gilas pool member Bradwyn Guinto and Jansen Rios tried to lift NLEX back into the game but could only manage to cut the lead to as low as six, 85-91 with 6:07 remaining. Baskets by Jason Ballesteros, Pong Galanza, and Reden Celda though kept the Road Warriors at bay, extending the lead to as high as 14 points, 99-85 with 4:10 left on the clock.
“NLEX was a tough team today. They have coach Yeng’s fighting spirit,” Gavina shared.
Celda and Galanza added 18 and 11 points respectively for Mahindra.
It wasn’t all celebrations for the Floodbuster though as prized rookie and Gilas cadet Russel Escoto fell to an injury during the second frame.
A box out scenario pitting him against fellow cadet Alfonzo Gotladera saw him crashing on the floor with 23.1 seconds remaining. He was stretchered out of the game and sent ot San Juan de Dios Hospital for testing. The 6-foot-6 big man tallied 12 points.
“We are praying that the injury is not severe and, hopefully, he can bounce back from it,” Gavina shared.
NLEX was able to out-rebound Mahindra 48-36. However, they committed 29 errors that led to 34 Mahindra points. In addition, the Floodbuster were able to convert nine triples compared to just four for the Road Warriors.
Camson paced NLEX with 17 points while Guinto had 13 points and seven rebounds.
NLEX did not have the services of leading scorer Sean Anthony in the game.
Mahindra plays its final game of the conference on Wednesday, February 1 against the Star Hotshots. NLEX, on the other hand, try to end their Philippine Cup campaign when they face Ginebra on Sunday, January 29. Both games will still be played at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Scores:
Mahindra 106 – Mallari 30, Celda 18, Escoto 12, Galanza 11, Apinan 10, Revilla 9, Deutchman 6, Ballesteros 5, Paniamogan 3, Eriobu 2, Yee 0, Elorde 0, Teng 0, Salva 0.
NLEX 96 – Camson 17, Guinto 13, Baracael 10, Khobuntin 9, Lastimosa 9, Alas 8, Rios 6, J. Villanueva 6, Monfort 5, Lanete 4, Taulava 4, Soyud 2, Gotladera 2, E. Villanueva 1.
Quarterscores: 22-27, 57-49, 77-77, 106-96.
