PBA: Bench gives Mahindra much-needed boost in win over Meralco

Aldrech Ramos had 15 points and nine rebounds, but it was LA Revilla's block on Jimmy Alapag's possible game-tying three that gave the Mahindra Warriors an 86-83 victory over the Meralco Bolts on Saturday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

"At the beginning of the game, I told my players that this game will live and die with our defense," said Mahindra coach Chito Victolero. "We prepared very hard and I told them it's about mental toughness."

With the win, the Enforcers rose from the bottom of the standings for a 2-5 win-loss card to tie the Star Hotshots. Meralco, meanwhile, absorbed their second straight loss for a 1-7 win-loss card.

"We were at the bottom but it's about the desire to win, to mature quickly. Magandang panalo para sa amin ito," Victolero added. "Our goal is to go to the playoffs but I told them to play one game at a time."

Revilla added 12 points, five assists and three boards, while the Mahindra bench provided the much-needed spark. Mark Yee posted 14 points with eight rebounds, while Kyle Pascual added 12 points and nine boards. Nard Pinto, meanwhile, hit 10 points.

The Meralco starters did most of the damage in the losing effort, combining for 57 points. Gary David led his squad with 18, while Rabeh Al-Hussaini had 15. Cliff Hodge and Baser Amer had 14 and 10 points, respectively. Jimmy Alapag chipped in 10 markers to lead the Bolts' bench. - GMA News