Mahindra Enforcer. PBA IMAGES
Mahindra recovered from a slow start and rallied past Alaska, 101-95, to stay undefeated in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Seldom-used Keith Agovida emerged as an unlikely sidekick to import James White and the two teamed up in the fourth quarter where the Enforcer surged ahead after being down by as much as 16 in the first half.
“They just persevered through Alaska’s initial wave. We played at their pace but when our guys settled down, our guys responded tremendously. I give so much credit to these guys for their pure passion, pure pride and will to win,” said Mahindra deputy Chris Gavina.
Mahindra closed the game on a 13-2 run in the last three minutes while the Aces missed their final seven shots in the last two minutes.
Mahindra playing-coach Manny Pacquiao played the last three minutes of the first quarter in his first game in nearly a year.
LaDontae Henton led the Aces with 33 points and 14 rebounds while Calvin Abueva, who just returned from a one-game suspension, added 21 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field.