Enforcers dump Elite; Pacquiao shoots trey

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao finally converted a shot from beyond the arc in pro basketball, embellishing Mahindra’s wire-to-wire domination of Blackwater in a 97-88 victory that enhanced the Enforcers’ playoff aspiration in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Barangay Ginebra sprang back strong from a double-overtime loss to San Miguel Beer, ripping Rain or Shine, 101-87, to stay in equal footing with Mahindra later in the night.

Justin Brownlee sizzled with 31 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and six steals as against Dior Lowhorn’s measly 10 markers and eight boards – a big disparity in the performance of the imports that proved to be a huge boost as the Kings closed in on a Final Eight passage.

Pacquiao earlier knocked in a charity off a foul by Bam Gamalinda before unleashing a three-pointer – contested by Kyle Pascual – that swished through the net late in the second quarter to the delight of the crowd.

It was a personal breakthrough for Pacquiao who spiked Mahindra’s recovery from a two-game slump and brought the Enforcers back in strong contention for a first PBA playoff appearance.

“The goal is not just to make the playoffs but to win the championship,” Pacquiao later said.

James White powered his way to 23 points and 19 rebounds, Aldrech Ramos and Paolo Taha contributed a combined output of 28 points while LA Revilla issued 10 assists in his return from the injured list as the Enforcers notched a fifth win in seven outings.

 “We just worked and focused on what made us 4-0,” said Mahindra coach Chris Gavina.

The Enforcers led from start to finish as they sent the Elite deeper down the cellar at 1-6.

Compounding Blackwater’s woes were the sidelining of import Eric Dawson and veteran playmaker Mike Cortez due to injuries. Cortez sat out the game due to a hamstring pull while Dawson scored only 15 points in 36:03 minutes of action due to a back injury.

The Enforcers were in control when Pacquiao checked in with 3:58 left in the first half to cheers from the fans.

The boxing sensation instantly earned a trip to the line as he drew a foul from Gamalinda after a pick and a hand-off from John Pinto.

Pacquiao made the scoring column as his first shot rattled in. The next was way off.

Towards the end of the opening half, Pacquiao found an opening from the three-point land and knocked it in – his very first in seven tries in eight PBA career games. 

“I’ve been shooting from that range in pick-up games. I tried that one and, luckily, it went in,” said Pacquiao.

He was humble enough to admit he’s only getting a chance to play when the Enforcers are enjoying a big lead. “Depende pag natambakan namin ang kalaban,” said Pacquiao on whether he’ll continue to see action in the tourney.

Gavina said Pacquiao’s presence alone was a big boost to the Enforcers.

“The players are inspired today. They’re extra motivated when coach Manny is around,” said Gavina.