Mahindra outlasts Star in overtime

MANILA, Philippines – The Mahindra Enforcers opened the PBA Governors’ Cup on a high note by taking down the Star Hotshots in overtime, 100-92, on Friday, July 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Five players scored in double figures for Mahindra, led by the 22 points plus 8 boards of import James White. Aldrech Ramos also played well by accounting for 17 points while Iman Mashaddy contributed 15 off the bench.

Star was led by the 21 points and 15 rebounds of returning import Marqus Blakely. Mark Barroca also played well with 15 points and 6 boards.

Both teams had opportunities to win the game at the end of regulation but were unable to do so. First, KG Canaleta missed on a jumper with 19 seconds to go. Then on the next play, James Yap – who went 1-of-12 from the field – missed a 3-pointer, forcing an extra period.

A basket by Canaleta with 43 seconds left in OT put his team up 96-92. Following a missed triple by Allein Maliksi, LA Revilla hit a pair of free throws to make it a 6-point game. Maliksi then missed another 3-ball, sealing the loss for his team.

The game also saw the debut of new Mahindra assistant coach Chris Gavina, who won his PBA debut.

Scores:

Mahindra (100): White 22, Ramos 17, Mashaddy 15, Canaleta 10, Taha 10, Revilla 9, Aguilar 7, Jaime 7, Yee 3, Agovida 0, Bagatsing 0, Pinto 0, Ballesteros 0, Digregorio 0, Guinto 0, Elorde 0

Star (92): Blakely 21, Barroca 15, Simon 12, Garcia 10, Pingris 8, Maliksi 6, Sangalang 6, Mallari 5, Reavis 5, Yap 4

Quarter scores: 22-18, 41-42, 67-69, 87-87, 100-92 – Rappler.com