Star pounces as Blackwater falters in the fourth

MANILA, Philippines – The Star Hotshots pounced on the Blackwater Elite slowing down in the fourth quarter to notch a 96-90 victory in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday, April 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Star outscored Blackwater, 31-20, in the final frame as the Elite cooled off coming off a 28-17 third period run and were unable to sustain their effort.

A foul-plagued Tony Mitchell still led the Hotshots with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks off the bench. Guards Paul Lee and Jio Jalalon produced 28 points and 10 rebounds between them.

The veteran Lee added 5 assists to his name while Justin Melton and Allein Maliksi chipped in 10 markers each for the now 5-2 Hotshots, who snapped a two-game slide.

Niño Canaleta poured all 27 of his points (on 7-of-12 shooting from deep) in the first 3 quarters and fouled out with 23 seconds remaining in the game. 

Greg Smith dropped 22 points, collared down 29 rebounds, dished out 6 assists, and blocked 3 shots, while Mike DiGregorio settled for 11 points.

Only 4 Elite players produced points in a dismal fourth quarter as Blackwater, which continues to struggle with finishing games, slipped to a 1-6 slate. 

Scores: 

Star (96): Mitchell 17, Lee 15, Jalalon 13, Melton 10, Maliksi 10, Sangalang 9, Barroca 9, Reavis 6, Dela Rosa 4, Simon 3, Javier 0, Brondial 0.

Blackwater (90): Canaleta 27, Smith 22, DiGregorio 11, Pascual 8, Sena 8, Cruz 6, Pinto 4, Gamalinda 2, Cervantes 2, Buenafe 0. 

Quarter scores: 21-23, 48-42, 65-70, 96-90.

– Rappler.com