PBA: Mahindra erases huge deficit, defeats Blackwater in OT

Alex Mallari and Ryan Arana scored 11 of their team's 14 points in overtime to lift the Mahindra Floodbusters to a 97-93 victory over the Blackwater Elite at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

"It was hard, building team chemistry, learning our system, our defensive schematics especially with our young guys," admitted Mahindra head coach Chris Gavina after the game. "Guys have been buying energy for each other. We've been doing a lot of drills. We need to learn how to work as a team to succeed."

Alex Mallari led his team with 23 points, 11 boards, and four assists, while Ryan Arana added 19 markers and six rebounds. Mark Yee only had eight markers but had 14 rebounds. Nico Salva, meanwhile, led the bench with 14 points in 24 minutes on the floor.

The Elite led by as many as 15 at the 7:58 mark of the fourth, 79-64, before Mahindra went on a 17-2 run to knot the game up at 81-all at the 1:41 mark. Two freethrows from Mac Belo had Blackwater ahead heading into the final minute, but the last basket of regulation came via a Nico Salva make with 47 seconds to go. After a Roi Sumang turnover, Mahindra had two chances to win the game, but Nico Elorde's attempt from deep and Salva's late follow failed to go through.

Art Dela Cruz paced Blackwater with 18 points, while Nard Pinto added 15 markers with seven assists and four boards. Mac Belo rounded up the starters in double figures with 14 points and nine boards. Roi Sumang and JR Sena led the bench with a combined 22 points. — BM, GMA News