BARANGAY Ginebra big man Christian Standhardinger took exception to statements made by Bay Area import Andrew Nicholson about his defense in Game One of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
Speaking briefly before Game Two of the best-of-seven series on Wednesday, Standhardinger said he was disappointed to hear Nicholson say that he will have to adjust to his physical defense and "learn how to play rugby.”
[READ: Nicholson on C-Stan defense: 'Guess I have to learn how to play rugby']
“We in the Philippines, with Gilas and the Philippine national team, we are known for playing very physical and hard basketball but not dirty basketball… Therefore, I’m very disappointed to have heard that.
“Not really offended. A bit disappointed. It seems more of a cheap excuse and I don’t think a player of his stature needs tactics like that,” added Standhardinger.
Standhardinger said Nicholson and the Dragons are lucky that they didn’t face Magnolia, a team which is more known for its physical defense than Ginebra.
“We are not even known to be the physical team. Magnolia plays a lot more physical than us and that’s one of the many reasons why I respect them. I respect every player there and I respect coach Chito [Victolero].

"We are known for the contain defense. We are not even known for physical defense. So already complaining like that, they are lucky that they didn’t meet Magnolia in the playoffs,” said Standhardinger.
Standhardinger said he will continue to play the defense the way he does in Game Two.
“We will keep playing hard. I have to keep playing hard and give my best,” he said.
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