Coach Chris Gavina believes the Mahindra Floodbuster have found a silver lining after the new-look squad fell to 0-3 to start their campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Floodbuster fell 114-104 to the Phoenix Fuel Masters last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, but made the game a bit interesting when it cut a 105-75 deficit to single digit near the final minute before coming up short in the end.
“I really think we showed a lot of improvement,” Gavina said. “Unfortunately, to show a level of fight, we have to go down by 30 points. But I think our mainstays and veterans really found some trust level in this game.”
Gavina and company have been dealing with lopsided deficits since the season started. Mahindra lost, 97-75, to Globalport in its opening assignment then trailed by more than 40 points against Rain or Shine before bowing, 105-83.
Mahindra’s winless start has been compounded by a series of dumbfounding moves in the offseason that came after clinching its first-ever playoff appearance in the Governors’ Cup.
The Floodbuster first allowed KG Canaleta to walk away and sign with the Globalport Batang Pier, then dealt Aldrech Ramos to the Star Hotshots as part of a three-team trade with the San Miguel Beermen.
Ramos’ departure paved the way for the Floodbuster to acquire Alex Mallari and Ryan Araña, players who won championships in the past.