The Mahindra Floodbuster leaned on the heroics of LA Revilla and Reden Celda to escape with a thrilling 122-121 overtime win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Revilla erupted for 26 points, including big-time shots that sent the game to extra period, to go along with four rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Celda fired 25 points, four boards and three steals while also hitting the clutch floater over Phoenix import Jameel McKay in overtime that handed Mahindra the lead for good.
The win was a huge boost to the playoff hopes of 10th-place Mahindra (3-7) which can still enter the top eight by winning its remaining assignment against Ginebra.
Revilla delivered when Mahindra needed it the most, scoring the team’s last seven points in the fourth quarter which included a clutch triple and a floater. He could have given Mahindra the win in regulation, but he missed a layup on his drive attempt as the clock expired with the game tied at 116-all.
It was Celda’s turn to display his nerves of steel in overtime. With Mahindra trailing, 121-120, Celda courageously drove to the baseline against McKay and dropped a floater to give his team the lead.
Matthew Wright then missed a triple, but Mahindra left the door open after Revilla missed two free throws. However, McKay and Cyrus Baguio couldn’t convert on the other end, allowing Mahindra to notch the win.
McKay scored 18 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists for Phoenix (4-6) which is currently hanging on to the No.8 spot.
