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Alex Mallari unleashed a herculean effort and carried Mahindra to a 106-96 victory over NLEX Friday in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup at Cuneta Astrodome.
The Fil-Am swingman almost notched a triple-double as he tallied 30 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists to carry the also-ran Floodbuster to their third win in 10 games.
Mahindra’s strong showing also gave coach Chris Gavina a fitting birthday present as he turned 38 for the day.
“Credit to all players because they had the spirit to play for each other,” he said. “Everybody is bought on how we’ll lead this team and we trying to end the conference on a high note. We’ll try to build on that.”
Reden Celda chimed in 18 markers and four boards, Bong Galanza had 11 points, and Jeckster Apinan got 10 for the Floodbuster.
Mahindra also weathered the absence of Russel Escoto, who injured his left knee just before the end of the first half after already pouring 12 points in 12 minutes on the floor.
The Floodbuster was in control most of the game, taking a 57-46 lead late in the second quarter.
NLEX fought back and even grabbed an 81-77 advantage courtesy of Jonas Villanueva with 10:48 remaining to play.
However, Mallari fired 11 markers to spark a 22-4 blast, ending with a Jason Ballesteros putback, to restore order and propel Mahindra to a 99-85 lead with four minutes to play.
Eric Camson topped NLEX with 17 points and six boards, while Bradwyn Guinto had 13 markers and seven rebounds.
The Road Warriors settled for last place with a 2-8 card.
The Scores:
MAHINDRA 106 – Mallari 30, Celda 18, Escoto 12, Galanza 11, Apinan 10, Revilla 9, Deutchman 6, Ballesteros 5, Paniamogan 3, Eriobu 2, Yee 0, Elorde 0, Teng 0, Salva 0.
NLEX 96 – Camson 17, Guinto 13, Baracael 10, Khobuntin 9, Lastimosa 9, Alas 8, Rios 6, J. Villanueva 6, Monfort 5, Lanete 4, Taulava 4, Soyud 2, Gotladera 2, E. Villanueva 1.
Quarters: 22-27, 57-49, 77-77, 106-96.