In a surprising turn of events, the Mahindra Enforcers displayed better end game composure than the Alaska Aces in a 102-94 upset, early Monday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
After a close first quarter that saw both teams knotted at 16-all, both teams continued to exchange baskets in the early parts of the next frame. However, Mahindra went on a 14-3 blast via point guard LA Revilla and import Augustus Gilchrist to gain a 37-26 lead, midway through the second quarter.
Two triples by Cyrus Baguio, and baskets by Calvin Abueva and Chris Banchero, tied the game at 37-all as Alaska were able to answer back. A split on the stripe by KG Canaleta and a huge jam by Gilchrist ended the half with Mahindra surprisingly up 43-39.
Alaska were able to keep it close in the early-goings of the third canto, coming within one behind Mahindra’s lead. The Alaska defense, though, gave way once more, as Karl Dehesa went on a solo 6-0 run that helped extend the Enforcer lead to 11, 76-65, to enter the final quarter.
Aldrech Ramos, after scoring nothing in the first half, suddenly found an extra bounce to his step in the final quarter. An early basket in the fourth quarter by Ramos gave Mahindra the biggest lead of the game 80-67. But Abueva and Shane Edwards lead Alaska’s rally to cut the deficit to just five, while a floater by Banchero cut the lead to just a one possession game, 80-77. A jumper by John Pinto stopped the bleeding for Mahindra.
Chito Victolero’s squad, however, played with a sense of urgency in the latter part of the game. They were able to go on a game-breaking 9-0 run that extended the lead to double-digits once more, 91-80, in which Ramos scored six of the nine points. As Alaska tried to make one last rally, back-to-back triples by the former FEU Tamaraw sealed the game for Mahindra, 102-94.
“It’s a very important game for us,” Mahindra head coach Chito Victolero said. “We needed to bounce back kasi nga yung standing dikit dikit. We know we have a chance but we need to have a sense of urgency to win and play hard.”
Ramos, who had 25 points on 11/15 shooting and seven boards, shared the same sentiments, saying, “Sunod-sunod na talo kami. Malaking tulong ito sa team namin para makapasok sa playoffs.”
He then added that as a veteran, he needs to step-up for his team, especially at this stage of the tournament. “As a veteran, kelangan ko mag-help on both ends. Nung first half frustrated ako, sabi nila coach laruin ko lang laro ko. Buti na lang lumabas,” he closed.
Augustus Gilchrist added a double-double with 16 points and 15 boards. KG Canaleta was also able to contribute four triples and score 17 points in the game.
For the slumping Aces, Shane Edwards had a monstrous double-double, with 24 points and 13 boards in 39 minutes of action. However, the other Milkmen struggled, including Calvin Abueva. Abueva was a horrendous 4/14 from the field for 15 points.
As a team, Mahindra shot 46% from the field compared to just 41% by Alaska. They were also able to out-rebound their opponents 52-41.
The Mahindra Enforcers (4-4) will next face the Meralco Bolts on Sunday, April 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Alaska Aces (5-3) look to snap out of their funk against the same opponent on Friday, April 8 at the same venue as well.
The Scores:
Mahindra (102) – Ramos 25, Canaleta 17, Gilchrist 16, Dehesa 14, Revilla 10, Bagatsing 5, Ballesteros 5, Pinto 5, Guinto 3, De Vera 2, Yee 0, Jaime 0, Digregorio 0.
Alaska (94) – Edwards 24, Abueva 15, Manuel 12, Banchero 10, Jazul 10, Thoss 7, Baguio 6, Hontiveros 6, Dela Rosa 4, Eximiniano 0, Racal 0, Menk 0.
Quarterscores: 16-16, 43-39, 76-65, 102-94.
Photo courtesy of PBA Images
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