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MANILA, Philippines – The Star Hotshots carved out a hard-fought 87-82 victory over the Blackwater Elite to secure the fifth spot at the end of the PBA Governors’ Cup elimination phase.
Marqus Blakely recorded an all-around effort of 22 points, 16 rebounds, seven steals, five assists, and four blocks to help the Hotshots set a quarterfinals face-off against GlobalPort.
Joe Devance and Alex Mallari chipped in 12 points each, while PJ Simon added 11. James Yap and Mark Barroca combined for 20 points to seal the win for the defending Governors’ Cup champion.
Star was looking to get the remaining twice-to-beat bonus in the playoffs, but GlobalPort earlier defeated Alaska to secure the Top 4 spot.
“After GlobalPort won, I think our energy went a little bit down. We started really poorly. We were flat and had a hard time pushing ourselves. It’s tough moving hard defensively,” said Star coach Tim Cone in the PBA website.
“In the second half, we were able to put some pressure and we were able to turn the game around. But it’s still anybody’s ball game up to the last minute. We could’ve been burned.”
But the Hotshots buckled down to work and beat up the Elite, who was already out of the running even before the game.
Star improved it win-loss record to 6-5.
“We finished fifth. If you would’ve asked me a month ago about finishing fifth, I would say I’m very, very happy with that,” said Cone. “But we got a shot at No. 4 and failed to get it, and so I’m disappointed.”
Blackwater finished the Governors Cup with a 1-10 mark, ending dead last in the standings at the close of the elims.
Marcus Cousin paced the Elite with 21 points and 13 boards.
Photo: Mark Cristino/ABS-CBNnews.com
This story was republished with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
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