Clint Chapman in action for Magnolia against Macau in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup, March 28, 2026 at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Media
MANILA (UPDATED) – Import Clint Chapman impressed in his debut, as he powered the Magnolia Hotshots to their first victory in the PBA 50 Commissioner's Cup.
The Hotshots kept the Macau Black Knights winless, 121-109, at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Chapman scored 13 points in the first half before getting benched due to foul trouble.
Magnolia and Macau went back and forth until halftime, until Chapman went on an 8-0 run for the Hotshots.
The bench of the Hotshots ultimately created separation in the third frame, with the lead growing by as much as 19 points.
The Black Knights put up one last stand in the final canto, cutting the lead to two, 88-86, with a 14-0 run.
But Magnolia managed to keep them at bay, highlighted by the Zavier Lucero layup that increased the lead to 10 points.
Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio is happy to get his first win, but admitted it's tougher to get a victor in the mid-season conference.
"We really needed this win. For me, a win is a win. Tama ka, it's very hard now to win in the PBA. Nakikita naman natin all the teams are really improving. We had a hard time really winning mainly because we haven't gotten, kumbaga hindi namin makuha yung tamang timpla," he said during the post-game press conference.
"Thank God we got this win with a big boost also with Clint here, our new import. Nothing against our former import Nuni. He was really a professional and he sacrificed a lot for our team in practices. If probably next conference makuha namin siya, why not? We need to get the right mix, the right pieces and the puzzle," Tenorio added.
Despite getting the win, the Magnolia head coach said they still have a lot to improve on and polish, especially their defense.
Chapman finished with 39 points and 15 rebounds in his first game for Magnolia, replacing Paris Olympian Nuni Omot.
The 6-foot-10 American player lauded the Hotshots for helping him adjust with just a short time to practice before his first game.
"It's tough to come in and have a few days to prep with a new team. That's why coach trusted me as far as bringing in an experienced player and size. That's what we need defense and size in the paint and leadership," Chapman said.
"Now the exciting part is we have time to better. First game is great, a lot of history in this arena. So to play here and get a win, that's really special. I'm excited to get things rolling with coach and the guys," he added.
Lucero contributed 23 markers, eight rebounds, five blocks and four steals, while Jerom Lastimosa added 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting, six assists and two steals.
Macau's Chon Pong Liao's 24 points on 8-of-18 shooting went to waste, while import Tony Mitchell finished with 22 markers, 14 rebounds and two blocks.
Damian Chongqui pitched in 20 points, while Phoenix Shackelford added 19 markers.
The Hotshots improve to a 1-3 record, while the Black Knights slide to a 0-4 slate.
Next up for the Magnolia are the Terrafirma Dyip on April 7, while Macau takes on the San Miguel Beermen on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 121 – Chapman 39, Lucero 23, Lastimosa 20, Lee 8, Barroca 8, Gomez de Liaño 8, Koon 6, Sangalang 5, Dela Rosa 2, Laput 2, Alfaro 0, Gomez 0, Andrada 0
MACAU 109 – Lao 24, Mitchell 22, Chonqui 20, Shackelfotd 19, Leung 14, Li 5, Cao 3, Lu 2, Chen 0.
QUARTERS: 26-25, 26-26, 32-17, 37-41
RELATED VIDEO: