CAN Mahindra follow-up on its tremendous opening act?
The Enforcers surely hope so as they go a for a second straight win and a piece of the early tournament lead even as two powerhouses battle each other in their debut in the continuing 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
Following its stunning upset of Star in its opening game last week, Mahindra (1-0) looks to prolong its good start when it tackles GlobalPort (0-1) at 4:15 p.m. in the opening game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Hours later, a clash of titans follows as Tropang TNT and Commissioner’s Cup champion Rain or Shine do battle at 7 p.m. in the main event.
With new deputy coach Chris Gavina in tow, the Enforcers shocked the loaded Hotshots, 100-92, in overtime last Friday in their first game of the tournament to have the kind of start that they’ve long desired.
It was just one win but Gavina nonetheless warned the rest of the league that Mahindra is one very dangerous team.
“We showed great effort in our first game. Our early win is a big confidence booster for us,” said rookie tactician Gavina. “We want to let everyone see that we also belong in the league.”
Mahindra import James White led the Enforcers as he scored 22 points to power his squad to victory.
Unlike Mahindra’s initial success, GlobalPort wasn’t as fortunate as it lost its first game last Saturday to Barangay Ginebra, 93-81, despite 26 points from Stanley Pringle.
Coming off a championship in the Commissioner’s Cup, the Elasto Painters aim on starting this new quest with a bang when they go up against the hungry Tropang Texters.
Rain or Shine will rely on returning import Dior Lowhorn to provide more muscle inside while Talk ‘N Text will parade fresh import Mario Little along with returning Asian import Michael Madanly.
