Mahindra keeps playoff hopes alive, downs Phoenix in OT
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Mahindra remained in the playoff race after pulling off a 122-121 stunner over Phoenix in overtime the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Floodbuster improved to 3-7 with one more game left and held on to the 10th spot in the standings while the Fuel Masters slid to 4-6.
Reden Celda capped off a career night with the game-winning floater with 21.6 seconds left in overtime.
Mahindra coach Chris Gavina acknowledges the fact that his team’s chances of getting into the playoffs are slim at best, but he knows it’s still not too late for the Floodbuster to make one last push.
“My post today on the board was ‘everybody has to contribute,’” said Gavina. “We’ve kind of taken this South African philosophy called Ubuntu that states that there is a bond in sharing. ‘I am because we are.’”
“Our attitude is stay humble, stay hungry, and move forward.”
LA Revilla, who also had a superb outing, sent the game into overtime when he sank a basket at the 31-second mark to tie the game at 116.
Mark Borboran gave Phoenix a 116-114 lead with 45 seconds left in regulation before Revilla made the game-tying jumper.
Things eventually went cold for the Fuel Masters, who missed their last seven field goal attempts in overtime.
Revilla finished with 26 points to go along with five assists, while Celda had 25 markers and import Keith Wright had an 18-point, 21-rebound for the Floodbuster.
Jameel McKay had 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead Phoenix.
