Star surges late against Blackwater to score first win in Govs’ Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The Star Hotshots held off a gallant run by the Blackwater Elite as they earned their first win, 103-86, in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday, July 23 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. 

Following a 29-point beating from the Meralco Bolts in their conference opener, Blackwater came out firing and energetic in its second assignment – staying within striking distance up until the halfway mark of the final frame. 

The Hotshots capitalized on the Elite’s miscues down the stretch, scoring 27 points off the Elite’s 28 turnovers which helped stretch the cushion to double digits. 

PJ Simon delivered a team-high 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting off the bench, while Allein Maliksi added 15. 

Former Auburn Tigers standout Cinmeon Bowers, who was tapped as the Hotshots’ reinforcement, finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in his first assignment.

The 24-year-old Bowers put up averages of 10.5 points and 9.6 rebounds during his senior season in 2015-16 at Auburn. He has also played for the Galil Elion in the Israel National League, where he meanwhile averaged 17 points and 9.4 boards per game.

Import Trevis Simpson put up a game-high 24 points coupled with 8 boards for Blackwater, while Mike DiGregorio and JP Erram pitched in 11 apiece. 

The Elite will attempt to break their two-game skid when they face last conference’s champions San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, July 29. 

Star will take on the Alaska Aces on Friday, July 28 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. – Rappler.com