Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — With Paul Lee and James Yap returning to face their former ball clubs for the first time since their blockbuster trade in the offseason, there would always be a bit more drama.
Lee came up with the last laugh, scoring 14 markers for the Star Hotshots in their 99-91 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Sunday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
PJ Simon paced the Hotshots with 16 points, while rookie Jio Jalalon matched Lee’s point production with 14.
After climbing back from a 65-55 deficit in the third period, Star went into the final period trailing Rain or Shine by only 75-74 going into the payoff period.
Rain or Shine got back the advantage, 88-84, with 4:58 left on the clock, but the Star fired back with a flurry.
A 12-0 run inspired by Lee pushed the Star past Rain or Shine, 96-88, with 1:24 left on the clock.
An Anthony Washington trey pulled the Elasto Painters as close as 96-91 with 1:12 left to play, but that was as close as they would come.
Raymund Almazan led Rain or Shine with 19 markers, while Yap chipped in with 9.
The result saw the Star Hotshots match Rain or Shine’s 3-2 win-loss slate.
The Hotshots will face-off against Barangay Ginebra for a Christmas day Manila Clasico at the Philippine Arena, while Rain or Shine will look to get back to winning ways against the NLEX Road Warriors on Friday.
