Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Star Hotshots overpowered TNT KaTropa, 88-77, on Sunday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Ian Sangalang scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds for the Hotshots.
Star relied on a strong start and never relinquished the lead, which ballooned to 19 points at one point in the second half.
A balanced offense was the difference in the match as five Hotshots players registered double digit effort in the win.
Ranidel De Ocampo had a game-high 21 points, while Jayson Castro added 16 points for KaTropa who fell to 4-4 in the standings.
With their fourth victory, Star created a five-way logjam at the fifth spot together with Barangay Ginebra, Alaska, Phoenix, and TNT.
Allein Maliksi and Aldrech Ramos chipped in 13 points apiece for the Hotshots.
Star will go up against the Blackwater Elite on January 25 (Wednesday) at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Read: Belo, Sumang lift Blackwater past Alaska
The scores:
Star (88) – Sangalang 14, Maliksi 13, Ramos 13, Lee 10, Jalalon 9, Barroca 8, Pingris 7, Reavis 5, Dela Rosa 4, Melton 3, Simon 2, Brondial 0.
TNT (77) – De Ocampo 21, Castro 16, Pogoy 7, Rosario 7, Ganuelas-Rosser 6, Tautuaa 6, Williams 4, Rosales 4, Fonacier 3, Reyes 3, Carey 0, Golla 0.
Quarterscores: 20-12, 56-39, 73-62, 88-77.
