Star Hotshots umusad semifinals

NAGSAGAWA ang Star Hotshots ng matinding ratsada sa ikaapat na yugto para patalsikin ang defending champion Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 84-69, sa kanilang 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-three quarterfinals series kagabi sa Smart Araneta Coliseum sa Cubao, Quezon City.

Kumalas ang Hotshots buhat sa 63-all na pagtatabla may 7:59 ang nalalabi sa laro sa pangunguna ni Mark Barroca, na kinamada ang 10 sa kanyang 12 puntos sa ikaapat na yugto.

“We expected a grinding game. At the start of our preparation, I told my players it’s going to be a different story in Game 2,” sabi ni Star head coach Chito Victolero. “They are more physical and Rain or Shine’s desire to win is much better.”

“Their preparation against Ricardo, they did a good job all throughout the game. They were able to limit Ricardo’s touches,” dagdag pa ni Victolero. “Credit also to coach Caloy (Garcia) and his coaching staff but my players never gave up. They kept on grinding and digging. We’re just positive the whole game.”

Bagamat bantay-sarado ang Rain or Shine kay Star import Ricardo Ratliffe hindi naman nila napigilan ito na magdomina sa laro.

Nagposte si Ratliffe ng double-double sa itinalang 26 puntos at 24 rebounds na sinamahan pa niya ng limang assists. Mag-isa rin niyang na outrebound ang Rain or Shine sa offensive glass, 9-2.

Si Barroca, na kumulekta rin ng limang rebounds, tatlong assists at limang steals, ay naghulog ng dalawang free throw para iangat ang kanilang kalamangan sa 80-69, may 1:34 ang nalalabi sa laro.

Bunga ng panalo, winalis ng Star ang Rain or Shine sa kanilang best-of-three series at ikinasa ang best-of-five semis duel kontra San Miguel Beer.

“I haven’t thought of San Miguel yet. I’m still focused on Rain or Shine. But you know, it will be a very tough game against SMB. We will expect a more grinding game because of their experience,” sabi pa ni Victolero. “Their frontcourt combination of Fajardo, Rhodes, and Santos, plus their magnificent guards, I think we need to have that defensive scheme and proper preparations for this series.”