Mohnani heroics lift Gators past Kings in FIBL

MANILA, Philippines - Dinesh Mohnani scored 25 points, including a layup that forced overtime, then came through with a key defensive stop in the closing seconds to lead the Gators to a dramatic 84-79 victory over the Kings in the Canadian Cup of the FIBL season at the Ynares Center in Pasig last Sunday.

The Gators rallied late in the fourth behind Rajesh Chulani as the Kings’ Hirem Gangaramani bungled four free throws, paving the way for a Mohnani drive off Chand Daryanani to force overtime.

Mohnani completed a double-double with 16 rebounds then came through with a block on Ajeet Singh in extra play, while center Sanjeev Gangwani dominated with 20 points and 23 rebounds.

Vladimir Singh added 23 markers as the Gators overcame Ajeet’s 44-point explosion to steal the win and seize the lead in the tournament backed by The Canadian, makers of quality bed linens, pillows and towels.

Mukesh Mohnani, meanwhile, fired 27 points, hauled down 13 rebounds and dished off 15 assists as the Warriors rode on a big second quarter run to rout the defending champion Blue Sharks, 85-68.

The Sharks missed the services of two-time MVP Manoj Chandumal.

Kishore Mirpuri added nine points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks while rookie Rahul Motwani and forward Ken Pessumal had 15 points each for the Blue Sharks.