Star routs GlobalPort even as Romeo returns

MANILA, Philippines – The Star Hotshots opened their 2017 Commissioner’s Cup campaign with back-to-back blowout wins, with the GlobalPort Batang Pier as their latest victim, 103-77, on Saturday, March 25, at the Mindanao Civic Center Gym in Lanao del Norte.

Star, which also routed Phoenix 3 days ago, started at 2-0 for the first time in 5 conferences.

The Hotshots banked on import Tony Mitchell’s 22 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Rookie guard Jio Jalalon provided support with 15 markers, 6 boards, and two dimes.

Veteran guard PJ Simon added 10 points as Star broke the game wide open in the third and never let up on the gas pedal in the payoff period. Star outscored GlobalPort 57-34 in the second half.

In the case of GlobalPort, it was the second of two consecutive lopsided defeats to begin the second conference. It’s now the second time that the Batang Pier fell 0-2 to start in the last 3 conferences.

GlobalPort struggled offensively even as star guard Terrence Romeo returned after missing one game due to typhoid fever. Romeo tallied 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, but also had 7 turnovers in almost 35 minutes.

Import Sean Williams posted 20 points and hauled 14 rebounds as Stanley Pringle put up 19 points and 8 rebounds across his name.

GlobalPort, which did not get to the free throw line at all in the first half, lost by a two-game average of 27 points and in both matches scoring below 80 points. 

Scores:

Star (103): Mitchell 22, Jalalon 15, Simon 10, Ramos 9, Melton 9, Sangalang 8, Barroca 8, Maliksi 6, Lee 3, Dela Rosa 3, Abundo 2, Brondial 2, Javier 2, Reavis 2, Mendoza 2. 

GlobalPort (77): Williams 20, Pringle19, Romeo 13, Quinahan 9, Pessumal 6, Canaleta 6, Mamaril 2, Aban 2, Maierhofer 0, Cortez 0, Paredes 0.

Quarter scores: 15-21, 46-43, 78-65, 103-77.

– Rappler.com