Big Chill debuts with win over revamped Cobra

The Big Chill Superchargers notched their first win against the overhauled Cobra Energy Drink Ironmen, 82-76, at the San Juan Gym on Tuesday.

Big Chill, last season's FCA Cultivators, was led by holdover Alex Mallari's 15 points and the 14 markers of transferee Jewel Ponferrada. Mallari and Ponferrada also combined for 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Superchargers, who took control of the game right from the opening tip and never looked back. Big Chill enjoyed a 10-point lead at the start of the second period, 29-19. Mallari scored 10 of his total output in the first 11 minutes of the game to lead the Superchargers' offense. The Ironmen, on the other hand, are all rookies in the D-League as the team had a massive retooling during the off-season. University of the East coach Jerry Codiñera now handles the team, which is composed mostly of players from the Red Warriors and NCAA stalwarts. All members of last season's squad were transferred to sister team Boracay Rum. Josan Nimes, the 87th NCAA men's basketball tournament's Rookie of the Year, had a strong debut as he is expected to replace do-it-all playmaker Paul Lee, who was drafted by Rain or Shine in the PBA. Nimes tallied 22 points, six rebounds and four assists. The Mapua rookie sparked Cobra's 8-1 spurt with a three-pointer late in the fourth. The Ironmen forced Big Chill to a turnover at the other end and Nimes answered with another triple, an off-balanced trey from the right corner, to move to within 76-72 with one minute left to play. The young Ironmen, however, failed to match the bigger and more experienced Superchargers down the stretch. Big Chill's solid roster and rotation proved to be a problem for Cobra. Ponferrada, Raffy Reyes and Elliot Tan took charge for Big Chill when Mallari fouled out in the final minutes of the game. "I can play with ease since I have players to back me up. I can enjoy my time on the bench," said Ponferrada after the game. "It's nice to start your season with a win." Ponferrada played for Café France last season where he was the only legitimate big man. — JVP/OMG, GMA News