Star stays alive, NLEX stuns Rain or Shine in PBA Govs Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The Star Hotshots avoided elimination and the NLEX Road Warriors staged a huge comeback win in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday, September 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Hotshots salvaged a 104-103 victory over the Meralco Bolts thanks to the game-winning basket from import Joel Wright as time expired.

Wright finished with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks to lead all Hotshots starters in double figures. PJ Simon had 16 points while Marc Pingris and Allein Maliksi added 15 markers each.

Mark Barroca chipped in 13 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds as the Hotshots ended a 5-game skid and stayed alive in the conference with a 2-7 record.

Meralco had import Allen Durham leading the way with 27 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists and two blocks. Chris Newsome had 20 while Cliff Hodge’s double-double consisted of 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The Bolts dropped to an even 5-5 slate and are effectively out of the top 4 hunt and a twice-to-beat edge.

Meanwhile, the first game saw NLEX rally past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 111-99, with import Henry Walker dropping 23 points along with 12 rebounds and 6 assists.

Rookie Garvo Lanete had a career-tying 21 points as the Road Warriors rose to a 4-5 record after overturning a 21-point deficit in the second quarter.

Paul Lee led Rain or Shine with 23 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds off the bench. Jeff Chan added 18 as the Painters fell to a similar 4-5 record. – Rappler.com