Star goes up 2-0, keeps Alaska reeling

MANILA, Philippines – The Star Hotshots rose to a 2-0 start in the season-ending conference, and they continued to add to the Alaska Aces’ slump, 101-92, in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday, July 28 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. 

The Aces, despite their losing streak, have only dropped games in narrow margins. As with other matches, it came down to the final possession－ this time, it was the Hotshots who prevailed after import Malcolm Hill delivered the dagger pull-up jumper for an 8-point lead with 1:11 remaining on the clock. 

Despite tallying a win in their opener, the Hotshots dispatched reinforcement Cinmeon Bowers and fielded in young gun Hill, who’s fresh out of college in Illinois and is working his first pro stint here in the Philippines. He averaged 17.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game during his senior year (2016-17 Season) in the NCAA per ESPN.

The 21-year-old Fairview Heights native provided the much-needed firepower down the stretch as he debuted with a double-double of 28 points and 11 rebounds. 

He got ample help from Paul Lee, who added 18 points, 4 boards, and 5 assists, while Ian Sangalang had 16 markers on 6-of-7 shooting off the bench. 

LaDontae Henton paced Alaska with a game-high 34 points to go with 5 rebounds and 4 dimes. Chris Banchero likewise provided a bright spot for his team as he pitched in 21 points, 7 boards, and 6 assists in the losing effort. 

Alaska has not won a game since April 2 of this year, and is now down to a franchise-worst 11-game skid. 

The Aces missed the services of Carl Bryan Cruz and Calvin Abueva, who are both part of the Gilas Pilipinas lineup for the FIBA Asia Cup this August. 

Star and Alaska will both see action again on Friday, August 4, when they face the San Miguel Beermen and the TNT KaTropa, respectively.－Rappler.com