Defensive-minded Dela Rosa makes his mark – on offense

Magnolia's Rome dela Rosa file photo. PBA Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – Rome dela Rosa's calling card has always been his defense.

This was true when he played for San Beda College in the NCAA, and when he spent the first two seasons of his career with the Alaska Aces.

Now with the Magnolia Hotshots, dela Rosa remains first and foremost a defender, which is why he took pride in being assigned to NLEX rookie Kiefer Ravena during their PBA Philippine Cup game on Sunday.

"Coach put me in there to play defense in the second half, kasi Kiefer was getting hot," said dela Rosa after the game.

Ravena still got his points – in fact, he finished with a career-best 31 markers – but dela Rosa and the Hotshots had the last laugh in the game as they hacked out a 105-94 victory to improve to 3-1 in the All-Filipino conference.

Author: Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News
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