Gilchrist, Canaleta combine for 51 as Mahindra downs NLEX

 

Al Thornton of NLEX sits helplessly on the paint as Mahindra's Augustus Gilchrist control the airspace. Photo by KC CRUZ, GMA News

The Mahindra Enforcers kept the shaded lane shut in the endgame and let LA Revilla take over to defeat the NLEX Road Warriors, 106-99, on Friday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Augustus Gilchrist led six Enforcers who tallied double figures. Mahindra's import had 30 points and 10 boards, while Nino Canaleta added 21 markers. Chito Jaime tallied 15, while Mike Digregorio and Aldrech Ramos combined for 25 points off the bench. LA Revilla, meanwhile, had 10 points and six assists.

With the win, Mahindra seizes solo second with a 3-1 win-loss card, just behind top team Meralco Bolts (4-0). GlobalPort is still at third at 2-1, while NLEX tied Blackwater at 2-2.

The Enforcers outscored the Road Warriors 17-10 in the final four minutes to take the win.

NLEX last led, 90-89, as Simon Enciso found his rhythm for three straight triples. Mahindra countered with jumpers from Nino Canaleta and Aldrech Ramos, while clutch drives from Revilla stretched the Enforcers' lead enough to secure the victory.

Al Thornton led NLEX with 29 points while Sean Anthony added 18. Jonas Villanueva and Asi Taulava scored 15 and 10, respectively. — APG, GMA News