PBA: Mahindra spoils Romeo’s 41, turns back GlobalPort

LA Revilla contributes 17 points for Mahindra. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Mahindra had all the answers for GlobalPort as the Enforcers opened the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a 111-98 win on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Karl Dehesa and Mark Yee spearheaded the scathing 15-4 run to pull away for a 107-94 advantage in the last 1:15 of the game from just a slim 92-89 lead.

“It’s all about our defense,” said Mahindra assistant coach Chito Victolero. “We talked before the game to control their perimeter players, but we also need to make sure na malimit din yung role players nila. It’s a total team effort.”

Nino Canaleta, who is celebrating his 35th birthday, went 4-of-6 from threes to lead the Enforcers with 20 points and six rebounds.

LA Revilla added 17 markers, five assists, and four boards, while Mike DiGregorio scattered 14 points in the win.

Dehesa dropped seven of his 12 markers in the fourth and registered six rebounds and four dimes, while Yee finished with 11 points, seven of which came in the payoff period.

Augustus Gilchrist may not have been the dominating force he was expected to be after wounding with only 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, but Victolero was nonetheless elated with his debut performance.

“I’m very happy and positive with AG. He’s a team player, he knows our system, he knows how to play with our locals, and I’m very hopeful and positive with him dahil marami syang nagagawang positive plays sa court,” said Victolero.

Mahindra spoiled Terrence Romeo’s career-high tying 41-point showing in the defeat.

Import Brian Williams also failed to deliver the goods for the Batang Pier, ending up with only 13 markers, 16 rebounds, and five assists.

The Scores:

MAHINDRA 111 – Canaleta 20, Revilla 17, DiGregorio 14, Dehesa 12, Yee 11, Gilchrist 10, Guinto 10, Ramos 9, Pinto 5, Jaime 3.
GLOBALPORT 98 – Romeo 41, Williams 13, Pringle 12, Mamaril 9, Jensen 6, Taha 6, Yeo 4, Semerad 3, Kramer 2, Sumang 2, Maierhofer 0, Pena 0, Uyloan 0.

Quarters: 31-23, 60-47, 82-76, 111-98.