-
-
-
SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
-
-
-
-
04
-
18
-
2024
-
SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
04
18
2024
The Star Hotshots just showed their respect to the game of basketball, to themselves and to their opponents as they buckled down to work in a game they could afford to lose.
The Hotshots repulsed the Elite, 87-82, and set up a quarterfinals showdown with the GlobalPort Batang Pier in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday night.
Losing a shot at a twice-to-beat advantage on a win by GlobalPort earlier in the night, the Hotshots came out flat but did pick up their game to earn fifth spot in the elimination round.
“After GlobalPort won, I think our energy went a little bit down. We started really poorly. We were flat and had a hard time pushing ourselves. It’s tough moving hard defensively,” said Star coach Tim Cone.
“In the second half, we were able to put some pressure and we were able to turn the game around. But it’s still anybody’s ball game up to the last minute. We could’ve been burned,” Cone also said.
But the Hotshots didn’t allow that to happen, coming through in the clutch to end their elims stint at 6-5.
“We finished fifth. If you would’ve asked me a month ago about finishing fifth, I would say I’m very, very happy with that,” said Cone. “But we got a shot at No. 4 and failed to get it, and so I’m disappointed.”
Cone didn’t take it against Alaska for losing to GlobalPort.
“They don’t owe anybody a favor,” said Cone. “They beat us, and they deserved to be where they are now.”
The Hotshots overcame a flat start and an 11-point deficit at 31-42, foiling the Elite’s bid at ending their season on a winning note.
Blackwater ended up with a 1-10 mark in the Governors’ Cup and a 4-29 cumulative record for the season.
Marqus Blakely piled up 22 points, 16 rebounds, seven steals, five assists and four blocks to lead the way for the Hotshots versus the Elite.
Joe Devance and Alex Mallari added 12 points apiece, PJ Simon chipped in 11 and James Yap and Mark Barroca contributed 10 each.
Marcus Cousin led the Elite with 21 markers and 13 boards. He didn’t taste a single win in his brief stint in the local pro league. (SB)
Follow Us
Other Stories:
Recent Stories:
Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines.