Mahindra stops slide, sends Alaska to 2nd straight loss

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Aldrech Ramos poured his game-high 25 points in the second half, including 16 in the fourth and key shots down the stretch, as the Mahindra Enforcers stopped a 3-game skid with a 102-94 victory over the Alaska Aces in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Monday, March 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ramos, who also added 7 rebounds off the bench in just 25 minutes of play, hit the dagger 3-pointer with over a minute remaining to squash Alaska’s hopes of a comeback from a 13-point deficit late in the third.

“It’s a very important game for us coming from a 3-game losing streak. We needed to bounce back and we needed this game because the standings are close,” said coach Chito Victolero as the victory also kept Mahindra in playoff contention.

Niño Canaleta scattered 17 points to go with 4 rebounds while Augustus Gilchrist picked up the rear with 16 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, two steals and two blocks.

Karl Dehesa and LA Revilla added 14 and 10 points, respectively, for the Enforcers, who controlled the pace for much of the game. 

Mahindra reached the .500 mark and improved to a 4-4 record.

Shane Edwards carried the Aces with his 24 points , 13 rebounds and 3 assists. Calvin Abueva registered 15 markers, 6 boards and 4 dimes while Vic Manuel added 12 points and 6 rebounds.

Chris Banchero and RJ Jazul added 10 apiece as Alaska lost back-to-back games and dropped to 5-3 heading into the Holy Week break.

Scores:

Quarter scores: 16-16, 43-39, 76-65, 102-94.

– Rappler.com