What Coach Manny Pacquiao told Kia to spark second half comeback

Manny Pacquiao was a victor in his PBA coaching debut on Sunday as his Kia Sorento squad fashioned out a come-from-behind victory against Blackwater to open the 40th season of the PBA at Philippine Arena.

But the Sorento had to overcome a slow start that saw them trail by as much as 13 points at the half.

Pacquiao had to tell his players to settle down as the team played before a crowd of 52,612, a new Philippine basketball attendance record.

"Sabi ko, 'wag kayong mailang sa dami ng tao, nandito sila para suportahan tayo," said the Filipino ring icon.

Assistant coach Glenn Capacio, who had been running the team while Pacquiao has been busy training for his upcoming fight against Chris Algieri, acknowledged the jitters as the reason for Kia's slow start.

"Nung first half nandyan yung jitters, grabe yung crowd," said Capacio. "Nabibitawan yung bola."

But behind the brilliance of floor general LA Revilla, Kia managed to secure the advantage before cruising to victory.

And Pacquiao had words of advice for his men on the bench.

"Nung lumamang kami nung third, maintain lang nila yung play nila, yung speed. Execute nang mabuti yung mga play," he said. — JST, GMA News