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Manny Pacquiao in action for the Mahindra Enforcers at Al Wasl Club Image Credit: Jobannie Tabada, Features Editor - Property Weekly

Dubai: Manny Pacquiao’s Mahindra Enforcers lacked punch as they went down 98-94 to the Alaska Aces in a Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup eliminator at Al Wasl Club on Friday.

Boxer turned basketball player-coach Pacquiao failed to score in four attempts, conceded two turnovers, and made no assists or rebounds in his six minutes and 55 seconds on court as starting guard in the first quarter.

Calvin Abueva goes to the rim (Jobannie Tabada)

Alaska subsequently won the first quarter 31-22 and followed up with a 22-18 advantage in the second quarter to lead 53-40 at the half way stage thanks to Vic Manuel who scored 12 of his total and team best 17 points for Alaska in the first half. Mahindra came out fighting to win the third quarter 26-17 but could only level the final quarter 28-28 to lose by just four points overall.

Mahindra’s LA Revilla led the fightback in vain as he top scored with 19 points, 13 of which came in a desperate fourth quarter.

This is Mahindra’s third defeat in three games in the Philippine Cup, leaving them bottom of the elimination round.

Dondon Hontiveros shoots a three-pointer in the third quarter (Jobannie Tabada)

“It’s OK, that’s part of the game,” Pacquiao told press as he made his way back to the dressing room. Mahindra’s assistant coach Chito Victolero was also positive despite defeat.

“Right now we are bottom but the good thing is we have faced three top teams in Alaska Aces, Rain or Shine and Talk‘N Text,” said Victolero. “Here we have gained positives so we can sustain this energy and intensity and have a good chance in the next game against NLEX Road Warriors.

Point guard LA Revilla top scored for Mahindra (Jobannie Tabada)

“Last All Filipino [Philippine Cup] we only had one win all tournament but now with coach Manny we are positive and hear him in the dug-out saying ‘it’s good, we gave them a good fight, next we have a chance of winning,’ so we hope we can sustain that in the next game.

“It’s a matter of execution, in the end we had a good chance of winning this game but Alaska also gave a good fight and had a good defence in the last quarter, it’s about our desire also. But we are positive we have a big chance next game if we can sustain this intensity,” he added.

Vic Manuel led Alaska scorers with 12 points (Jobannie Tabada)

Asked to comment on Pacquiao’s contribution, Victolero said: “It’s good, you know boss Manny is proud to be involved and wants to give players the motivation, he did good in defence.  

“He doesn’t train with us regularly because he’s a busy man and we understand that, but he knows the game plan and is in touch with the team on a day-to-day basis.”

Alaska coach Alex Compton said key to the victory was the fact his players didn’t get overawed by Pacquiao.

“We defended him and didn’t give him anything,” said Compton. “If you notice he got three shots blocked by us. We honoured the game, treated him like any other PBA player and didn’t pull any punches.

“I know people think that teams like Mahindra are just an expansion team and teams like us are just supposed to roll over them but I didn’t think that was going to happen at all today. I was hoping that this [the alternative] wouldn’t happen, but I’m not surprised it happened. Chito Victolero is doing an awesome job as a coach and they don’t quit, they keep coming and I think they deserve a lot of credit for the game today.”

Score breakdown

Alaska Aces 98

Vic Manuel 17; Calvin Abueva 15; JV Casio 12; Cyrus Baguio 8; Rome dela Rosa 7; Eric Menk 7; Sonny Thos 7; Tony dela Cruz 6; Dondon Hontiveros 6; RJ Jazul 5; Chris Banchero 4; Marion Magat 4

Mahindra Enforcers 94

LA Revilla 19; Mark Yee 17; KG Cañaleta 12; Aldrech Ramos 12; Hyram Bagatsing 8; Bradwyn Guinto 6; Philip Paredes 5; John Pinto 5; Paolo Hubalde 4; Eddie Laure 4; Joshua Webb 2; Manny Pacquiao 0