Positive signs for Mahindra

In the PBA Philippine Cup last season, Kia posted a forgettable 1-10 record with the Carnival’s only win an 80-66 decision over cellar-dweller Blackwater. Kia’s averaging losing margin was 14.6 points. Playing coach Manny Pacquiao’s team bowed to Rain Or Shine by 29, Talk ‘N’ Text by 23 and Alaska by 10.

So far in the ongoing Philippine Cup, Kia (now known as Mahindra) is winless with a 0-3 record but the consolation is the setbacks weren’t blowouts. The Enforcers lost to Rain Or Shine by 14, Talk ‘N’ Text by four and Alaska by four. The deficits were a significant drop from the gaps last season. Mahindra even led by 10 against the Elasto Painters and finished with more rebounds, 56-46, more second chance points, 23-2, more turnover points, 22-17 and less turnovers 17-20. The problem was in executing the Enforcers’ offense as they shot only 36 percent from the floor compared to Rain Or Shine’s 57 percent.

Against the Texters, the Enforcers were also competitive and led by nine at one stage. Mahindra wound up with more rebounds, 58-54, more field goal attempts, 95-72 and less turnovers, 10-14. But the Enforcers were outscored by 17 points from the free throw line, making the difference. Talk ‘N’ Text hit a whopping 30-of-40 free throws compared to Mahindra’s 13-of-21.

Entering the Alaska game in Dubai last Friday night, Mahindra was first in the league in second chance points (19.5), blocked shots (7.5) and least turnovers (13.5). On the downside, the Enforcers were No. 11 in field goal percentage (.381) and points allowed (104.5). The bright spot was rookie Bradwyn Guinto who averaged 14 points, 11 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots in two outings. Guinto also shot a lofty 73.3 percent from the field. L. A. Revilla was another stellar performer, averaging 14 points, five rebounds, seven assists and four steals.

Despite a 0-2 record, Mahindra couldn’t be considered a patsy. And the Aces knew it so they came prepared for a dogfight. The crowd at the Al Wasl Sports Club was treated to a battle that went down to the wire.

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Mahindra caught Alaska by surprise with a brand-new starting cast of Pacquiao, Guinto, K. G. Canaleta, Eddie Laure and Nard Pinto. Enforcers assistant coach Chito Victolero anticipated the surge from Alaska’s second unit so he held back on his usual starters to match up. Mahindra got the early jump on Alaska and raced to a six-point advantage. Then, the Aces stormed back with their fiery reserves led by leading scorer Vic Manuel and Calvin Abueva who combined for 13 points in the first period off the bench.

Because both teams pressed and trapped, they were victims of their own ploy. The turnover count went crazy as Mahindra had 22 at the turn. The teams finished with 30 turnovers each when the smoke cleared.

The Enforcers fought back from 15 down to tie the score, 87-all, time down to 1:27. They managed to regain their bearings by lapsing into only eight turnovers in the second half and forcing Alaska to take bad shots off the zone.

Down the stretch, the Aces proved to be more composed and pulled off a 98-94 decision. They’re the more experienced team and besides, they’ve brought back a virtually intact lineup with no veteran acquisitions during the offseason. Alaska welcomed only two rookies, Kevin Racal and Marion Magat. Racal was just signed to a two-year deal after finishing his NCAA obligations with a championship for Letran but has yet to be activated. Magat played quality minutes against Mahindra. Abueva was named Best Player for scoring 15 points, including two triples, and grabbing 13 boards. Manuel shot 17 points and Jvee Casio 12 to extend their double-figure scoring streak to three in a row since the start of the conference.

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Alaska’s experience was personified by Eric Menk, 41, and Dondon Hontiveros, 38. Menk was a rock of consistency throughout the contest, delivering seven points and 10 boards. He was activated in place of Sam Eman. Hontiveros knocked down two triples early in the fourth period to douse Mahindra’s hot rally.

What should make Victolero upbeat for the future is how the Enforcers almost upended Alaska. Mahindra had more bench points, 67-58, more fastbreak points, 21-16 and more turnover points, 29-19. The Enforcers also shot a higher clip from the floor, 39 percent to 37. But the Aces had more rebounds, 67-62, two more triple conversions and six more free throws made. On defense, Alaska limited Guinto to only six points.

The Enforcers are still in the process of adjustment. Chemistry remains an issue with Victolero taking in seven veterans during a busy offseason shopping spree. The transplanted veterans are Aldrech Ramos, Canaleta, Laure, Paolo Hubalde, Jong Baloria, Pinto and Papot Paredes. Add rookie Guinto in the mix and you’ve got a major personnel overhaul. The only holdovers are Revilla, Karl Dehesa, Joshua Webb, Rich Alvarez, Kyle Pascual, Mark Yee, Hyram Bagatsing and Chito Jaime.

With what Mahindra has shown so far in three losses, there is reason to be optimistic looking forward. The Enforcers’ next game is against NLEX on Friday the 13th at the PhilSports Arena. Will it be bad luck for the Road Warriors or Mahindra?