WATCH: Brandon Brown Highlights [San Miguel vs NLEX | 2021 Governors’ Cup | Dec. 8, 2021]

With much energy, effort and enthusiasm, NLEX pulled off a big win to start the PBA Governors’ Cup, stunning heavily favored San Miguel Beer, 114-102, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig Wednesday night.

KJ McDaniels and his local teammates complemented one another as they caught the Beermen by surprise, leading by as many as 19 points after trailing by a double-digit deficit in the opening quarter.

“It’s probably the best time to play San Miguel Beer, they’re not yet fully adjusted well. Nawala sa kanila si Arwind Santos at Alex Cabagnot; malaking bagay ‘yon. Hindi naglaro si Chris Ross; malaking bagay din iyon,” said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao.

“We’re lucky to play them in this situation. We know their caliber; they can only get better,” Guiao also said.

McDaniels debuted with NLEX with 27 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, and five Road Warriors also scored in double figures as they spoiled the return of June Mar Fajardo.

“That’s ideal for us. We want our scoring to be spread out, we want everybody to be involved,” said Guiao of the kind of game they churned out to beat Brandon Brown’s explosive debut as San Miguel’s import.

The Road Warriors also put in a solid effort on the defensive end, holding Brown down to nine points in the second half after exploding for 29 in the first two quarters.