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MANILA, Philippines – The Star Hotshots became the first team to enter the semifinals of the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup following an 89-77 win over the NLEX Road Masters at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday, September 26.
Down 61-63 entering the last quarter, the Hotshots went on a 14-4 spurt, 10 coming from Kristofer Acox and Marc Pingris combined, to take a 75-67 lead midway during the period.
The Road Warriors were still within striking distance but the Hotshots banked on Paul Lee, who scored 10 in their series-clinching 14-2 run.
“It’s all about our perseverance, our desire, our trust to each other and our chemistry. It’s very hard for us because it’s our third game in the last five days. Pero ‘yung willingness namin to move into the next level, nagawa namin (But with our willingness to move in the next level, we did it),” said Star head coach Chito Victolero.
Acox, who played just his fourth game for the Hotshots after being chosen as replacement for Malcolm Hill, showed his worth with 21 points, 12 rebounds 3 assists and 2 steals.
Lee, who was scoreless last game, rose to the occasion by chalking up 18 points while Ian Sangalang added 14.
The past 5 days had been a grind for the Hotshots. Last September 22, they dominated the Kia Picanto team to stay in the hunt for the twice-to-beat advantage before turning back NLEX last Sunday to finish the elimination round at fourth place.
Luckily for Star, its magic has not run out this quarterfinals as it advanced to the semis for all of the three conferences this season.
The Hotshots will face the winner between the Meralco Bolts and the Blackwater Elite.
Aaron Fuller paced the Road Warriors with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals while Alex Mallari and Kevin Alas chipped in 15 and 14, respectively.
Scores
Star (89): Acox 21, Lee 18, Sangalang 14, Pingris 8, Jalalon 7, Simon 7, Brondia 5, Ramos 3, Barroca 2, Dela Rosa 2, Reavis 2, Gamalinda 0, Melton 0
NLEX (77): Fuller 16, Mallari 15, Alas 14, Fonacier 9, Quinahan 6, Baguio 5, Tiongson 5, Rios 4, Al-Hussaini 3, Soyud 0, Taulava 0
Quarter scores: 23-22, 45-45, 61-63, 89-77
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