A gift for Coach Manny: Kia stuns SMB anew, dedicates win to Pacquiao

Kia Carnival gave coach Manny Pacquiao something to celebrate about following his loss to Floyd Mayweather last Sunday - another upset against San Miguel Beer to open their conference.

The expansion team stunned the talented Philippine Cup champions anew in the Governors' Cup, 101-96, replicating their feat in the mid-season Commissioner's Cup.

Pacquiao, who serves as the playing coach for Kia, is sure to be responding positively to the good news as he is currently facing woes with his impending surgery for his shoulder injury and the perjury suit filed against him in Nevada.

"'Yung spirit ni Boss Manny matulungan namin na parang kahit papaano maging masaya siya kung mananalo kami on this game - that's our motivation," said assistant coach Chito Victolero after the game.

The Carnival led by as many as 12 points, 54-42, hitting 44 percent of their shots while limiting the Beermen to 10 points in the first quarter and 30 points at the half.

In contrast to Pacquiao's boxing reputation as an offensive fighter, however, the team is aiming to become more defense-oriented after four wins - all of them against championship squads - last conference.

"We want to be the no. 1 defensive team with the help of our import we can do that," Victolero said.

Senegalese import Hamady N'diaye scored 21 points for Kia and played tremendous defense against reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, while Taiwanese gunner Jet Chang added 14 to give them an auspicious start in the Governors' Cup -- JST, GMA News