(CNN Philippines) — The Star Hotshots repulsed the KIA Carnival, 89-80, in their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup road game Saturday (May 30) in Angeles City, Pampanga.
More importantly, the Hotshots arrested a four-game slide to improve to a 2-4 win-loss record.
KIA Carnival fell to a 3-2 haul, tying the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters at fifth spot.
James Yap, who shot perfect 4-of-4 from the three-point area, finished with tournament-best 23 points for the Hotshots, who had to fend off a late-surge by the Carnival. He also collared seven rebounds.
“Big Game” Yap, who dropped 12 points in the opening quarter to set the tone for his team, lived up to his monicker and uncorked back-to-back cold-blooded three-pointers in the final minute to shut the door on KIA, 88-77.
Yousef Taha put the stranglehold on the victory with a split from the foul line.
KIA was within five on Asian import Jet Chang’s two-straight baskets, 74-79, late in the final period.
But Star import Marqus Blakely kept the Carnival at bay with a split and a breakaway layup, 82-74.
Moments later, he made a crucial block on LA Revilla in the dying moments that led to the Yap triple.
