Mallari does it all as Mahindra outplays NLEX

Alex Mallari did it all for Mahindra. KC Cruz

Alex Mallari packed the stat sheet with 30 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, and three steals to lead the Mahindra Enforcers to a 106-96 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Friday at the Cunera Astrodome in Pasay City.

Reden Celda added 18 points with four rebounds and four steals, while LA Revilla had nine markers with five assists and three steals. Rookie Russel Escoto had 12 points before being stretchered out of the court in the first half after a bad fall. The Gilas cadet left the venue in crutches soon after to get an MRI.

"I wanna deflect all credit to my players. They really played for each other," said Mahindra coach Chris Gavina. "I told them to dedicate this game for Russel. I hope his injury's not severe. He showed why he's a national team player; he really had a national level elite skill."

Pong Galanza and Jeckster Apinan, meanwhile, paced the Floodbusters bench with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Tied at 77-all after the first three quarters, the Enforcers uncorked a 29-19 finishing kick to earn the victory.

Eric Camson led NLEX with 17 points and six boards, while Bradwyn Guinto and Mac Baracael rounded up the Road Warriors in double figures to combine for 23 points.

With the loss, NLEX dropped to the bottom of the standings at 2-8 the first time in 16 years that a Yeng Guiao team will finish last in a conference. —JST, GMA News