Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Aware of the repercussions of the match, the Star Hotshots simply did everything right from the get-go to take a lopsided 117-89 victory over Barako Bull Energy in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum Sunday (June 21).
All the Hotshots did to turn the game into a breakaway was to unload five three-pointers and take an 18-point spread in the opening quarter.
The Star was relentless on both ends of the floor the rest of the way behind import Marqus Blakely, who frolicked with an all-around performance of conference-high 33 points, eight rebounds, three assists, a steal, and three steals.
James Yap shot three triples on his way to 17 points for the Hotshos, who led by as much as 34 points.
“We played well from the very start,” said Star coach Tim Cone, while adding that putting the clamps on Barako Bull import Liam McMorrow keyed the much-needed victory.
“It’s just a great job against Mcmorrow. We were really prepared for him.”
Indeed, it was a very crucial win for the Hotshots, who now hold a pedestrian 5-5 win-loss record to take the seventh spot.
In fact, they still have a shot at a twice-to-beat advantage if they beat Blackwater Elite in their last assignment in the elimination round.
“Buti nadala namin sa game na ito yung ginagawa namin sa practice. Nagtulungan kami kasi crucial tong game na to,” said Yap.
Cone couldn’t agree more.
“It’s a good overall performance for us. I think everybody contributed. Hopefully this can carry over to the Blackwater game and the quarterfinals,” he said.
Barako Bull is on a four-game tailspin, but is still assured of a quarterfinal berth with a 6-5 haul.
McMorrow, who was saddled by foul trouble for the most part of the contest, scattered 23 points and collared 12 boards.
