Mahindra tries to stretch record PBA start

MAHINDRA’S best-ever franchise start gets another acid test today when the Enforcers, several nights removed from proving that they aren’t flukes, battle Alaska in the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Game time is 7 p.m. with the Enforcers’ hold on a piece of the lead also at stake as they go for win No. 4 like TNT KaTropa, which tangles with NLEX in the 4:15 p.m. contest.

The Enforcers and the Texters are the only unbeaten teams left in the 12-team field, with Mahindra making a run that has made heads turn after bringing down Star, GlobalPort and then defending champion San Miguel Beer in succession.

James White has been the primary reason why the Enforcers are in this streak, doing almost everything the team needs on both ends.

Pacquiao reactivated

Mahindra, though, has put top playmaker LA Revilla in the injured list and has reactivated boxing icon and playing coach Manny Pacquiao, who hasn’t seen action since November in a loss to Rain or Shine in the Philippine Cup.

Revilla broke his nose in practice and will be out for two weeks.

With Pacquiao not really a point guard, Paolo Taha could see a lot of action at the point together with Michael DiGregorio as it would be their responsibility to bring the ball to White, who has maximized his height advantage and is a demon underneath.

Alaska will be led by LeDontae Henton, the left-handed Alaska import who is a dead shot from three-point distance. Calvin Abueva will also return from a one-game suspension as Alaska tries to climb to a level 2-2 record.