PBA IMAGES
James White carried Mahindra to a breakthrough 89-81 victory over NLEX Friday in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 23-year-old reinforcement fired 30 points on an efficient 12-of-18 shooting from the field, grabbed 23 rebounds and dished out two assists as he provided the biggest difference for the Floodbuster to stop their losing streak at two.
“Extremely great win tonight. We corrected our previous mistakes. We did a great job in going to our strengths tonight, helping James get the ball and make plays for us,” said coach Chris Gavina as his side improved to a 1-2 slate.
Mahindra had every answer for NLEX’s numerous rallies including an 8-0 blast in the fourth quarter to turn a close 76-70 lead to an 84-70 advantage with 3:52 to play.
LA Revilla chipped in nine points, five assists, and four boards, Ryan Arana added nine points and nine rebounds, while Gary David and Reden Celda combined for 18 markers in the huge win for the Floodbuster.
“Our guards did a tremendous job in making the defense collapse and finding those shooters,” said Gavina.
NLEX’s tailspin continues as it fell to its third straight defeat sans a win, which is coach Yeng Guiao’s worst start since the 2009 Philippine Cup when he was still with Red Bull.
Wayne Chism topped the Road Warriors with 28 points, 21 rebounds, and four blocks, while Jansen Rios had 15 markers and six boards in the loss.
The Scores:
MAHINDRA 89 – White 30, Arana 9, Celda 9, David 9, Revilla 9, Mallari 7, Yee 5, Galanza 3, Paniamogan 3, Apinan 2, Deutchman 2, Salva 1, Ballesteros 0.
NLEX 81 – Chism 28, Rios 15, Camson 8, Soyud 7, Lanete 6, Alas 5, Taulava 4, Guinto 2, Khobuntin 2, Lastimosa 2, Tiongson 2, Baracael 0, Monfort 0, J. Villanueva 0.
Quarters: 24-18, 44-34, 68-62, 89-81.