Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Mahindra Floodbuster clobbered the NLEX Road Warriors, 89-81, on Friday evening at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
James White showed the way for the Floodbuster with 30 points and 23 rebounds.
The Road Warriors were able to trim the deficit to single possession, but Mahindra managed to keep its composure and build a 44-34 edge at the break.
It was the same story in the second half as the Floodbuster seized full control of the pace on both ends of the floor.
A late 9-0 rally in the fourth period was not enough for NLEX to mount a comeback as they remained winless in three outings.
L.A. Revilla, Ryan Araña, and Reden Celda each had nine points for the Floodbuster, who captured their first win in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Wayne Chism paced the Road Warriors with 28 markers and 21 boards.
Mahindra will go up against the Alaska Aces on March 29 (Wednesday) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The scores:
Mahindra (89) – White 30, Revilla 9, Celda 9, David 9, Arana 9, Mallari 7, Yee 5, Paniamogan 3, Galanza 3, Deutchman 2, Apinan 2, Salva 1, Ballesteros 0.
NLEX (81) – Chism 28, Rios 15, Camson 8, Soyud 7, Lnete 6, Alas 5, Taulava 4, Lastimosa 2, Tiongson 2, Guinto 2, Khobuntin 2, Baracael 0, Monfort 0, J. Villanueva 0
Quarterscores: 24-18, 44-34, 68-62, 89-81.
