Kia kept its slim playoff hopes alive with an 88-85 squeaker over Meralco in the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Hamady N’Diaye was a force to reckon with on both ends with 24 points, 19 rebounds and six blocks for the Carnival, who eliminated Commissioner’s Cup champion Talk ‘N Text from contention.
It marked the second conference in a row that the champion of last conference won’t make the playoffs. San Miguel Beer, who won the Philippine Cup championship, was sent to an early exit in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Masaya ako sa performance ng aming mga players nagawa nila sundin yung mga pinapagawa sa kanila (I’m happy with the performance of my players. They were able to do what they’re asked to do),” said Kia head coach Manny Pacquiao.
LA Revilla added 16 points, five rebounds and five assists for Kia, which will be rooting for NLEX to beat Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to make the quarterfinals.
Andre Emmet led the quarterfinals-bound Bolts with 35 points and 14 rebounds.