PBA: Magnolia clobbers NLEX in Govs’ Cup debut

Magnolia started off its conference with a bang after steamrolling NLEX, 102-72, in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots opened the floodgates as early as the first quarter building a 31-12 lead and never looked back.

Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero said defense was their main priority in facing the Road Warriors who were on a tear in their first two games averaging 113 points per outing.

“Before this game we prepared hard for NLEX’ offense, and the battle cry was our defense versus their offense,” said Victolero. “We wanted to limit them under 90 points and I’m proud of my players for their defense and we were able to limit them.”

“This was an overall team effort, we started strong, and the chemistry was there.”

Magnolia played without star guard Paul Lee who’s in Indonesia representing the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games but got a big boost from Mark Barroca, PJ Simon, and Bambam Gamalinda.

Barroca finished with 13 points while Simon had 12 points under his name with Gamalinda, usually a substitute player in the previous conferences, had 10 points in his starting job.

The Hotshots’ main man, however, was Romeo Travis who finished with 21 points and 13 boards.

Oluseyi Ashaolu finished with 21 points and nine rebounds to lead the Road Warriors.