MANILA, Philippines – The Kia Picanto ended their season without a win following a 128-81 thrashing from the Star Hotshots in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena Friday, September 22.

After leading by 7 points at the start of the second quarter, 37-30, it was all Star from there as the Hotshots went on an offensive onslaught and rode on a 28-6 run to enter the break with a 65-36 lead.

Star shot a scintillating 60 percent from the field and outrebounded Kia by 21 boards.

“It’s all about respecting the opponent and the game, that was our mindset for the game. We needed this game very badly for us to have a slim chance for the top 4. We know Kia na hindi ibibigay basta basta ‘yung panalo and I’m very happy na ang mga players ko, nagstep up (We knew Kia would not give this game away easily and I’m very happy my players stepped up),” said Star coach Chito Victolero.

It was a complete team effort for the Hotshots as all of their players contributed in the scoring with seven finishing in double digits.

Kristofer Acox had 19 points and 15 rebounds in the Star’s sixth win of the season while Marc Pingris entered the 5000-point club after a 12-point, 9-rebound, 4-assist outing. 

Geron Johnson dropped a game-high 27 points but his effort went for naught as the Picanto finished their campaign with a 0-11 card.

Star, which improved to 6-4, can still barge into the top 4 but will have to continue its fine play as it faces the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday at Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Scores: 

Star (128): Acox 19, Jalalon 15, Simon 13, Pingris 12, Sangalang 12, Barroca 10, Melton 10, Ramos 7, Reavis 7, dela Rosa 5, Mendoza 5, Lee 4, Abundo 3, Brondial 2, Gamalinda 2, Pascual 2 

Kia (81): Johnson 27, Elorde 15, Corpuz 11, Camson 10, Celda 9, Yee 4, Deutchman 3, Nimes 2, Ballesteros 0, Jaime 0, Paniamogan 0

Quarter scores: 32-24, 65-36, 91-60, 128-81. – Rappler.com