Enforcers stun Hotshots in rousing overtime win

Iranian import Iman Zandi for Mahindra. PBA IMAGES

Mahindra kicked into high gear and ran past Star in overtime, 100-92, to begin its campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Enforcers assistant coach Chris Gavina, taking charge of the team as head coach Manny Pacquiao is busy in the Philippine senate, said their win against the Hotshots is a “confidence booster” for a team who has yet to establish itself as a threat in the PBA.

“An early win like this will be a confidence booster,” said Gavina. “Great effort from our guys, our long preparation really nurtured our confidence going to this game.”

Mahindra outscored Star 13-5 in the extra five minutes of the match with KG Cañaleta hitting the dagger from the left wing with 42.4 seconds remaining to give the Enforcers a 96-92 lead.

Star had a shot to take the game in regulation but Marqus Blakely missed his second fee throw with 31.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter that only tied the game up at 87-87.

If Blakely fumbled a chance to give his team the win, Mahindra import James White could’ve carried the Enforcers to the victory by virtue of his heroics alone.

With less than a minute remaining Cañaleta’s layup attempt bounced off the rim but White was in the immediate vicinity to dunk the ball at the 49.9-second mark giving Mahindra an 87-86 lead.

White had a game-high 22 points to go along eight rebounds while Aldrech Ramos added 17 points Asian import Iman Mashaddy pitching in 15 points of his own.

Paolo Taha and Cañaleta putting up 10 points apiece for the Enforcers.

Blakely had a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double to lead the Hotshots. Mark Barroca added 15 points, PJ Simon 10 and new recruit RR Garcia 10.

James Yap only had four points on 1-of-12 shooting for Star.