Nueva Ecija bucked a sluggish start, but got its game going when it mattered the most to turn back Manila, 89-77, and punch a ticket to the quarterfinal round of the PSL President’s Cup at the Paco Arena.
Still trying to feel their way around under new coach Don Dulay, the Capitals trailed by as many as 10 points, but things started to change when Will McAloney, Rob Celiz and Michael Juico began to flex their muscles inside and Byron Villarias rediscovered his shooting touch, allowing Nueva Ecija to catch up.
McAloney finished with 15 points and grabbed seven boards while Celiz also had a brilliant, all-around game of 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Juico flirted with a double-double performance as he ended up with 11 points and nine boards while Villarias likewise tallied 11 markers for the Capitals, who’s only on their second week as coach of Nueva Ecija, taking over the reins from Jerson Cabiltes.
With McAloney and Celiz imposing their will more in the second half, the Capitals were able to generate 42 points inside the shaded lane, 14 more than their counterparts.
Dulay expects his team to play much better as they all move forward.
But entering the quarterfinals comes with a stiff prize as the Capitals will face the Davao Occi Tigers in what is expected to be a championship-like atmosphere.
Curiously, Dulay coached Davao Occidental and led the Tigers to titles both in the PSL and the MPBL.
“We’re still trying to improve as a team,” said Dulay. “I just took over recently, but It doesn’t matter who we play, whether Davao, San Juan, because we’re trying to improve what we need to improve, which is defense.”
“Defensively, we’re not there yet. But we have a few days to prepare against our next opponent. Hopefully, we can get it together.”
