PBA: Mahindra back on winning track after win over Meralco

LA Revilla tows Mahindra. Photo from PBA IMAGES

LA Revilla had the courage to go up against a legend and he made sure he would match up no matter what.

With 2.2 seconds remaining Revilla met Jimmy Alapag and denied the legend on a three-point attempt to preserve Mahindra’s 86-83 scoreline against Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

It was also Revilla who put the Enforcers up six, 82-76, with a sneaky layup coming off a Kyle Pascual pick at the 1:24 mark of the fourth.

Mahindra assistant coach Chito Victolero said he wants his young roster to mature quickly as they gun for a playoff spot, and their close games are a big help to the process.

“We got a lot of rookies in our team and we need to mature quickly,” Victolero said whose team moved to a temporary tie at ninth place with Star with a 2-5 record.

“The more close games they play, the more it helps in their maturity.”

Alapag cut the Enforcers’ six point lead to three, 86-83, with a three from the left wing with 18.8 seconds remaining.

Aldrech Ramos had a near double-double for Mahindra with 15 points and nine boards while veteran Mark Yee had 14 points and eight boards.

Revilla also finished in double figures in scoring with 12 points to go along five assists while Kyle Pascual pitched in 12 points and nine boards.

Cliff Hodge led the 12th seeded Bolts, 1-7, with 14 points and a career-high 20 rebounds.

The scores:

Mahindra 86 — Ramos 15, Yee 14, Pascual K. 12, Revilla 12, Pinto 10, Canaleta 8, Guinto 5, Laure 5, Dehesa 3, Hubalde 2, Bagatsing 0.
Meralco 83 — David 18, Al-Hussaini 15, Hodge 14, Alapag 10, Amer 10, Buenafe Ryan 6, Atkins 4, Newsome 4, Nabong 2, Dillinger 0, Faundo 0, Hugnatan 0.

Quarterscores: 16-12, 35-39, 58-64, 86-83.