Magnolia spoiled Stokley Chaffee's PBA debut.
The NLEX Road Warriors were having a very good first half against the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots on Friday night during the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the PhilSports Arena.
Powered by new import Stokley Chaffee, the Road Warriors were going toe-to-toe against the undefeated Hotshots and finished at the half up by two, 46-44.
Mark Barroca admitted they got a bit rusty during their 12-day break in between games.
"Siguro 'yung (halos) two weeks na naka-bakasyon, siguro kinalawang ng onti. Nag-relax kami," Barroca ceded.
Coach Chito Victolero had to remind his wards that Magnolia's heart was in their defense.
"I told the guys at halftime, this is not an easy game. We need to grind every possession," he recounted after the game.
"Actually we are a defensive team. We have that defensive mindset," Victolero added. "I reminded them about our defense. Kailangan i-tighten 'yung defense namin."
The Hotshots heeded the call.
From a total of 46 in the first half, the Road Warriors were just limited to 26 in the second as Magnolia won, 99-72.
It was a far cry from NLEX's average of 110.5 points in four games.
Victolero credited guard Jio Jalalon for providing that spark, as he made seven of his 11 points in the second half.
"Nagkaroon ng magandang execution, naiba 'yung tempo," he said.
They also managed to switch it up on Chaffee, who made 23 points in the ball game.
"After the first half, alam na namin gagawin namin. We gave him a different look sa depensa. I think nakatulong 'yun nang malaki."
He also credited the bench for providing extra fire as Barroca scored 19, Paul Lee made 14, along with Aris Dionisio's six, as well as Ian Sangalang, David Murrell, and Joseph Eriobu's baskets.
With the victory, Magnolia remains undefeated at 5-0. They will next take on the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday, December 6, at the PhilSports Arena.
It will be aired on A2Z, PBA Rush, and the Pilipinas Live app.
(CF)