Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Star Hotshots escaped the NLEX Road Warriors in a thrilling finish, 105-103, on Friday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Allein Maliksi topscored the Hotshots with 24 points and six rebounds.
With shots falling in their favor, the Hotshots built a comfortable 51-39 advantage at the halftime break.
NLEX stepped on the gas and went on a 10-3 run midway in the third quarter, giving them the boost they badly needed after a disappointing first half.
But a buzzer beater triple by Maliksi put Star back on top heading into the payoff period, 75-74.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair as both squads traded lead changes down the stretch.
Kevin Alas’ go-ahead drive to the basket gave the driver’s seat back to the Road Warriors, 103-101, with 46 seconds remaining in the match.
With the game clock winding down, import Tony Mitchell passed the ball to a cutting Jio Jalalon who sank a running jumper at the dying second to seal the victory for the Hotshots.
Mitchell contributed 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Jalalon chipped in 16 points for Star who remained undefeated in the team standings at 3-0.
Import Wayne Chism paved the way for NLEX with 33 markers and 19 boards. The Road Warriors suffered their fourth consecutive setback in the tournament.
The Hotshots will go up against the Mahindra Floodbuster on April 5 (Wednesday) at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The scores:
Star (105) – Maliksi 24, Mitchell 23, Jalalon 16, Simon 13, Sangalang 9, Ramos 5, Lee 5, Reavis 4, Barroca 4, Javier 2, Melton 0, Mendoza 0, Dela Rosa 0.
NLEX (103) – Chism 33, Lastimosa 13, Alas 9, Lanete 9, Tiongson 7, Rios 6, Taulava 6, Al-Hussaini 6, Guinto 5, Monfort 4, J. Villanueva 3, Baracel 2, Camson 0, Soyud 0, Khobuntin 0.
Quarterscores: 23-15, 51-34, 75-74, 105-103.
