Despite missing the services of Calvin Abueva, Magnolia displayed its firepower and plenty of energy it found from its new import — Nick Rakocevic.
The 24-year-old reinforcement delivered a dominant debut performance, powering the Hotshots to an emphatic 100-92 triumph over a hard-fighting Terrafirma side in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner's Cup Wednesday, 28 September at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Playing just in his second professional league since graduating from University of Southern California, the 6-foot-9 Rakocevic produced 45 points, 25 rebounds, three blocks and two steals in his very first game in the PBA.
Abueva, who usually provides the energy for Magnolia, was sidelined by a low-grade muscle strain near the groin area, but Rakocevic's activity on both ends of the court more than make up for his absence.
Abueva, however, wasn't the only one sidelined by an injury.
Even Magnolia coach Chito Victolero was part of the walking wounded team as he showed up wearing a protective boot on his left foot after suffering an Achilles tear while playing a pick-up game.
Still, it didn't stop him from coaching the Hotshots' first game in the import-laced tournament.
"I had a problem with my Achilles," said Victolero during the post-game interview.
"I'll have my surgery next week. But I can still coach. I just have to drag my foot."
In just 24 minutes of action, Rakocevic already tallied 28 points. He had 16 of his team's 30 points in the second period, hitting 10-of-15 shots before the half time break.
Rakocevic, who previously averaged 13 points and 9.8 rebounds for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Chinese Basketball Association this year, didn't waste time to showcase his stuff as he made his presence felt right in his first game.
"I think I come in as a great fit," Rakocevic said.
"I've got a lot of good teammates around me and it makes easier to play. We have great point guards who can pass up on a pick and roll and it makes my job a lot easier offensively and defensively."
Jio Jalalon, returning after suffering a hamstring during the playoffs of the Philippine Cup against TNT Tropang Giga a few months ago, played in tip-top condition as he added 12 points on top of seven assists, six rebounds and two steals.
Ian Sangalang added 10 points while Jackson Corpuz came off the bench and tallied nine, the same production made by Paul Lee.
The scores:
MAGNOLIA (100) – Rakocevic 45, Jalalon 12, Sangalang 10, Lee 9, Corpuz 9, Barroca 8, Dionisio 2, Reavis 2, Wong 2, Dela Rosa 1, Mendoza 0, Ahanmisi 0.
TERRAFIRMA (92) – Prosper 41, Tiongson 19, Munzon 8, Cabagnot 6, Cahilig 4, De Liano 4, Ramos 4, Camson 3, Gabayni 3, Mina 0, Balagasay 0, Alolino 0, Calvo 0.
QUARTERS: 29-26; 59-54; 80-71; 100-92.