The Star Hotshots started their 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup journey on a winning note after a 101-82 drubbing of the Phoenix Fuel Masters, Wednesday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“I reminded my players to keep focus and stay aggressive. We know Phoenix was motivated because of what happened to them last conference,” said Star head coach Chito Victolero on the win, pertaining to the 44-point beatdown they gave Phoenix last Philippine Cup.
American reinforcement Tony Mitchell delivered notably for the Hotshots, leading the team with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the floor, along with 16 rebounds and three blocks in 37 minutes of action.
“I’m very happy kasi yun yung inaasahan namin sa kanya. He is very active especially on defense. Makikita niyo rin na hindi niya pine-puwersa yung opensa,” lauded Victolero of his import. “Nagkaroon din kami ng shot blocker, bagay na bagay siya sa system namin.”
Phoenix were still knocking on Star’s door late in the third canto, 73-67, after an RJ Jazul lay-up, but a ferocious 17-9 spurt sparked and concluded by Barroca’s foul shots with 2:02 to go in the payoff period signaled the end of the night for the Fuel Masters.
Barroca led the locals with 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting. Allein Maliksi, who was whistled for a flagrant foul penalty one midway into the third canto after kicking Karl Dehesa’s groin, chipped in 16 markers despite hitting just three of his eight attempts.
“The locals stepped up, especially Allein and Mark Barroca,” Victolero said on both players’ outings.
Star managed to hit nine treys in the game, compared to Phoenix’s two. They also shot more from the foul line, 22-of-29; made more turnover points, 19-8, and their bench stepped up way better, 48-19.
The Hotshots opened their import-laden conference run without the services of top forward Marc Pingris due to a hip injury. The Fuel Masters, on the other hand, missed rookie Matthew Wright for the second straight game as he is recovering from bone spurs in his right foot.
Star’s leading scorer Paul Lee was limited to just two points, as he is still regaining his form after sustaining a knee injury during the off-season.
New import Jameel McKay, who took place of Eugene Phelps, led Phoenix with 34 points on 16-of-29 shooting, 20 rebounds, and four blocks. JC Intal and John Wilson backed him up with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Star will next play Globalport on Saturday, March 25, 5:00 PM at the Mindanao Civic Center Gym, while Phoenix will face TNT this Sunday, March 26, 6:45 PM at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Scores:
Star (101) – Mitchell 24, Barroca 17, Maliksi 16, Simon 10, Sangalang 10, Ramos 9, Melton 7, Jalalon 4, Lee 2, Reavis 0, Brondial 0.
Phoenix (82) – McKay 34, Intal 13, J. Wilson 10, Borboran 7, Jazul 6, Baguio 4, Dehesa 4, Lanete 2, W. Wilson 2, Kramer 0, Alolino 0, Torres 0.
Quarterscores: 30-22, 46-43, 75-67, 101-82.
