The Star Hotshots withstood a challenge from the NLEX Road Warriors and held on for a 97-95 win sunday in the 2015-16 PBA Philippine Cup in the Philsports Arena.
Star led in each of the three quarters before NLEX outscored the Hotshots 32-19 in the payoff period although the Road Warriors’ comeback attempt fell ultimately short.
NLEX suffered its first loss of the conferencr after winning two straight to open the Philippine Cup. Star got back to .500 with a 2-2 card.
The backcourt tandem of Peter June Simon and James Yap led six Hotshots in double-digits. Simon scored 21 points on 7-for-12 shooting while Yap added 19 points.
Jake Pascual added a double-double performance of 11 points and 11 boards. Allein Maliksi returned to action to chip in 4 points after being suspended by the team over an inappropriate social media post weeks ago.
Sean Anthony continued his stellar play in the season as he led the Road Warriors once more with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists. Fellow frontline member Asi Taulava contributed 18 points and 20 boards.
The Scores:
Star (97) – Simon 21, Yap 19, Mallari 14, Melton 13, J. Pascual 11, Sangalang 10, Maliksi 4, Pingris 3, Taha 2, Torres 1, Barroca 0, R. Pascual 0.
NLEX (95) – Anthony 28, Taulava 18, Alas 10, Enciso 9, Apinan 7, E. Villanueva 6, Lanete 6, Khobuntin 4, Camson 4, J. Villanueva 2, Cardona 1, Borboran 0, Reyes 0.
Quarterscores: 24-20, 47-37, 78-63, 97-95.
