Inspired by Pacquiao, Enforcers stun Beermen for franchise-best start

Games Friday (Ynares Center Antipolo)

4:15 pm. – Blackwater vs Rain or Shine

7 p.m. – TNT Katropa vs Alaska

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Manny Pacquiao made a surprise appearance on the Mahindra bench and the inspired Enforcer delivered a stunning knockout punch to holder San Miguel, 105-103, to gain the solo lead in the PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the boxing icon providing inspiration, the Enforcer showed killer’s instinct despite squandering a nine-point margin en route to picking up their third straight victory and spoiling the 43-point explosion of SMB import AZ Reid.

The Beermen absorbed their first loss in three starts.

“Great effort from our guys. Their sheer determination and level of consistency in terms of discipline and focus offensively and defensively really came out today,” said Mahindra first assistant coach Chris Gavina, whose team is now on its best start in franchise history.

James White rifled in 34 points, making the most killing in the second half where he scored 20, and grabbed 11 boards to led Mahindra.

Although White and KG Canaleta (17) carried the most load offensively, it was Paolo Taha and Chito Jaime who delivered the coup de grace. Taha put Mahindra ahead with a transition basket then Jaime cashed on his two freebies off Marcio Lassiter to give the Enforcer a 105-102 cushion with 43.1 seconds left.

June Mar Fajardo put SMB to within two after a split and the Beermen got a lifeline when Alex Cabagnot intercepted LA Revilla’s pass with still 15 ticks to go. The Beermen however didn’t to sue for time and Reid went on to miss the potential equalizing three-pointer. Revilla grabbed the rebound.

Pacquiao, Mahindra’s designated head coach, arrived with wife Jinkee in the first quarter.

“Malakas yung kalaban, kailangan ng suporta ng team (We’re facing a strong opponent and the team needs my support),” said the Pacman, who made his first PBA appearance since playing against Alaska in the Philippine Cup in Dubai.

“His presence always really gives us added incentive motivation-wise and inspiration-wise. Every time we see Manny we really wanna go to work,” said Gavina.

With White, Taha and Canaleta at work, Mahindra stormed to its biggest lead at 68-56 half way in the third. The Enforcer maintained a 97-88 cushion before the Beermen uncorked an 8-0 run to wrest a one-point lead.

The Scores

Mahindra 105 – White 34, Canaleta 17, Taha 12, Agovida 10, Ramos 9, Revilla 8, Pinto 6, Yee 3, Guinto 2, Jaime 2, Zandi 2, Ballesteros 0, Digregorio 0, Aguilar 0.

San Miguel 103 – Reid 43, Cabagnot 15, Fajardo 13, Arana 11, Lassiter 10, Reyes 4, Tubid 3, Mabulac 2, Ross 2, David 0, De Ocampo 0, Heruela 0.

Quarterscores: 28-27, 48-48, 81-74, 105-103.