Nick Rakocevic makes grand introduction as Magnolia opens PBA Comm's Cup stint with win vs. Terrafirma

Nick Rakocevic is good as advertised. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

STA. CRUZ, Laguna--Nick Rakocevic put up monster stats in his PBA debut as Magnolia began its campaign in the mid-season Commissioner's Cup with a 100-92 win against Terrafirma on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The former Serbian U20 team member erupted for 45 points and 25 rebounds with two assists, three blocks, and two steals as he prevailed over Lester Prosper, who came close to his own 40-20 game.

Rakocevic was unstoppable in the first half, already tallying 28 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Hotshots to a 59-54 lead.

The Dyip, however, kept the game close in the second half and even took a 92-91 lead with 2:47 remaining.

Magnolia came through in the end as the team finished the game on a 9-0 run to preserve Rakocevic's impressive debut.

Jio Jalalon added 12 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and two steals off the bench for the Hotshots.

Prosper finished with 41 markers, 19 boards, one dime, and one swat for the Dyip, who fell to 0-2 in the conference and have now lost 18 straight games overall.

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