Star pushes NLEX out of top 4 race
STAR PERFORMANCE. Five players from Star scored in double figures, including Paul Lee with 15 points. Photo by PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines - The Star Hotshots came back from an early 15-point deficit and prevented the NLEX Road Masters from clinching the twice-to-beat advantage with a 101-93 victory on the last day of the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup elimination round at the Big Dome Sunday, September 24.
Star was down 8 points after the first half, 36-44, before ultimately taking the lead midway the third quarter after back-to-back three-point plays from Kristofer Acox and PJ Simon, 57-55.
The Hotshots closed out the period with 75-69 lead, punctuated by a trey from near halfcourt by Jio Jalalon, to head into the last quarter where they relied on timely baskets by Acox, Paul Lee and Mark Barroca.
“I told my players na we just need to win, whatever happens in the second game is out of our control. First half namin sobrang sama, magandang yung execution naming sa second half and nakaadjust kami sa defense ng NLEX. (We had a bad first half but we had a better execution in the second half and we adjusted with NLEX’s defense.) I’m very happy na going into the playoffs, magandang momentum samin tong panalo na ito (This win is a good momentum for us going into the playoffs),” said Star coach Chito Victolero.
Five players from Star scored in double figures with Simon leading the way with 16 points. Acox finished with 14 points and 10 boards while Paul Lee and Aldrech Ramos added 15 and 14 apiece, respectively.
Aaron Fuller paced the Road Warriors, who missed the win-once incentive in the quarterfinals as they can only go as high as fifth place behind a 7-4 card, with 16 points and 17 boards.
Star, although holding an identical 7-4 card with NLEX, can still have a shot at the top 4 depending on the result of the game between the San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts today. A win by the Bolts will secure the Hotshots the fourth spot.
TNT KaTropa (8-3), Ginebra San Miguel (8-3) and Meralco (8-2) are already secured of a spot in the top 4 and will just have to wait for their final placing based on the results of the Beermen-Bolts clash.
Scores:
Star (101): Simon 16, Lee 15, Acox 14, Ramos 14, Barroca 13, Dela Rosa 8, Melton 6, Pingris 6, Sangalang 4, Jalalon 3, Brondial 2, Reavis 0.
NLEX (93): Fuller 16, Mallari 13, Fonacier 12, Alas 9, Al-Hussaini 9, Quinahan 9, Lastimosa 9, Taulava 5, Tiongson 5, Soyud 3, Villanueva 3, Baguio 0, Rios 0.
Quarter scores: 17-25, 36-44, 75-69, 101-93. – Rappler.com
