THE third time’s the charm for Mahindra as it finally got itself in the win column, taking care of business against hapless NLEX, 89-81, to snap its skid in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Second-year import James White continued his steady production, leading the Floodbuster with his monster game and dropping game-highs of 30 points and 23 rebounds as his athleticism was too much for NLEX to handle.
While no other Floodbuster tallied in twin-digits aside from White, four of his teammates contributed nine points to help him out.
Mahindra improved to 1-2 after snapping its two-game losing streak.
While the Floodbuster finally saw daylight, the agony continued for the Road Warriors as they are now the lone team at the bottom with a winless 0-3 slate.
Mahindra was practically in control for most part and was able to shake off every NLEX rally along the way to finally list a win.
The Floodbuster took a 24-18 lead at the end of one and followed with a stronger second quarter.
In the second frame, Mahindra was able to extend its lead to double-digits, 44-34, at intermission to seize full control.
It’s the same story in the second half as the Floodbuster even led by 15 points on a couple of occasions in the third canto before shutting down every comeback attempt of the Road Warriors to ensure it won’t be threatened.
Wayne Chism continued to show great numbers, scoring 28 points and grabbing 22 rebounds but still, NLEX was unable to shake the monkey off its back as it continues to struggle.
The scores:
MAHINDRA 89—White 30, Revilla 9, Celda 9, David 9, Arana 9, Mallari 7, Yee 5, Paniamogan 3, Galanza 3, Deutchman 2, Apinan 2, Salva 1, Ballesteros 0.
NLEX 81—Chism 28, Rios 15, Camson 8, Soyud 7, Lnete 6, Alas 5, Taulava 4, Lastimosa 2, Tiongson 2, Guinto 2, Khobuntin 2, Baracael 0, Monfort 0, J. Villanueva 0.
Quarterscores: 24-18, 44-34, 68-62, 89-81.