QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) – The Star Hotshots live another day in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as they beat the top San Miguel Beermen, 108-99 to force a do-or-die game this coming Wednesday.
Swingman, Peter June Simon came out with the hot hand for the Hotshots in the 3rd quarter by scoring 13 of his 23 points to help his team climb up from an 11 point lead during halftime and end the 3rd period of play by trailing the Beermen by just one point, 75-74.
After trading baskets until the first six minutes of the 4th quarter, the Hotshots turned up the engine with combined efforts and heroics from Allein Maliksi, Mark Barroca and Ricardo Ratliffe – who all combined for 21 of the 34 4th quarter points to rally against the Beermen to seal the victory.
The Hotshots had major contribution from Ratliffe, who scored a total of 33 points and grabbed 29 rebounds.
“That was playoff basketball personified,” said Hotshots head coach Jason Webb.
“Really thankful for the God-given talent and the God-given heart of my guys. Kulang kami, it didn’t matter,” added Webb as his team was missing the services of James Yap who was sidelined due to an injury.
San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo led the Beermen by scoring 15 points while Tyler Wilkerson had 14 in the 1st half but failed to replicate their success in the 2nd half and just scored a combined effort of 16 points. Fajardo ended the game with 24 point and 13 rebounds while Wilkerson had 22 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.
The Beermen will now have to face elimination as they battle the Hotshots once again this Wednesday, April 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. (By Ernest Hernanadez)
The scores:
STAR 108 – Ratliffe 33, Maliksi 23, Simon 22, Barroca 10, Melton 8, Pingris 5, Reavis 5, Sangalang 2, Cruz 0.
SAN MIGUEL 99 – Fajardo 24, Wilkerson 22, Santos 16, Lassiter 11, David 8, Ross 8, Tubid 6, Cabagnot 2, Espinas 2, Arana 0, De Ocampo 0, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 20-26, 42-53, 74-75, 108-99
Photo Credit: Peter Baltazar / Sports On Air
