Celda, Revilla help Mahindra salvage overtime win against Phoenix

MANILA, Philippines – Rookie guard Reden Celda and the more experienced playmaker LA Revilla conspired to lift the Mahindra Floodbuster over the Phoenix Fuel Masters in a hard-fought overtime victory, 122-121, on Sunday, May 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Revilla paced Mahindra with a career-high 26 points on 10-of-14 field goals on top of 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and two steals.

Celda similarly had a career game with 25 points on 11-of-17 shooting, but more importantly, he was responsible for the game-winning floater that permanently shoved the Floodbuster ahead and notched the final tally with 21 seconds left in overtime.

Celda, who played for National University in the UAAP, sank the winner after luring import Jameel McKay to the corner and then blurring past him for the baseline one-hander.

The win gave Mahindra a 3-7 record and a chance at possibly making the playoffs. 

Mahindra import Keith Wright posted 18 points and grabbed 21 rebounds, while Eric Camson came off the bench for 17 markers.

McKay led Phoenix with 18 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks. Matthew Wright settled right back into his mother ballclub after a successful national team stint, putting up 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists.

RJ Jazul and Mark Borboran each had 15 points for the now 4-6 Fuel Masters.

Scores: 

Mahindra (122): Revilla 26, Celda 25, Wright 18, Camson 17, Khobuntin 13, Deutchman 6, Teng 6, Corpuz 4, Nimes 3, Salva 2, Caperal 1, Paniamogan 1, Yee 0, Ballesteros 0. 

Phoenix (121): McKay 18, Wright 17, Alolino 16, Borboran 15, Jazul 15, W. Wilson 10, Baguio 9, Intal 7, Eriobu 6, Dehesa 4, Kramer 2, Torres 2, Lanete 0. 

Quarter scores: 27-30, 58-62, 93-93, 116-116,122-121.

– Rappler.com