Star goes on late surge to survive San Miguel, extend quarterfinals

Jane Bracher

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Star goes on late surge to survive San Miguel, extend quarterfinals

ALYSA SALEN/Business Mirror

The 8th seed Hotshots hit big baskets late to end the back-and-forth affair to avoid getting eliminated by the twice-to-beat Beermen

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – With over two minutes left in the game, Ricardo Ratliffe drove strong to the hoop, went for the layup, and got the whistle. He emphatically pointed his finger downward as he turned his back from the ring in a gesture that signified he knew his shot would trickle in – similar to how, at that point, everyone could feel the Star Hotshots had virtually wrapped up the win.

Thanks to a solid 14-2 late surge, the Hotshots broke free from an 89-all deadlock and they took down the top seed San Miguel Beermen, 108-99, to extend the quarterfinals series of the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Monday, April 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The 8th seed Star hit big baskets late to end the back-and-forth affair and avoid getting eliminated by the twice-to-beat Beermen. 

“That was playoff basketball personified,” said head coach Jason Webb. “These guys fought back. These guys, they never give up, they never give in.” 

Import Ricardo Ratliffe had a game-high 33 points to go with 29 rebounds. Allein Maliksi poured 23 points on 5 triples, including the big trey that started the game-sealing run and the dagger long bomb to shut the door on their foes, 108-96, with over a minute left.

PJ Simon’s body language emitted nothing short of fierce competitiveness as he looked to take charge in the absence of injured partner James Yap (calf). He finished with 22 points including a perfect 7-of-7 from the line, as Mark Barroca added 10 markers and 3 assists.

The Hotshots came back from a 13-point deficit in the second quarter, relying on its starters to take over and on hustle to swarm the talented Beermen. 

“We’re surviving,” said Webb, whose team won the rebounding battle, 62-50. “As long as there are still possessions out there, then we’ve got a chance.”

June Mar Fajardo topscored for the Beermen with 24 points and 13 rebounds as Tyler Wilkerson came up with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks. 

Arwind Santos and Marcio Lassiter had 16 and 11 points, respectively, as San Miguel missed 33 attempts from deep.

The deciding game will be played on Wednesday, April 20. – Rappler.com

 

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