HOTSHOTS STAY IN THE RACE
Sensing desperation as Star’s quarterfinal hopes slowly dim, coach Tim Cone just had to put his trust on his players.
And on Tuesday, time and again, the Hotshots delivered.
“This team, whenever their backs are on the wall, whenever they need a crucial win, their focus is uncanny. They can really step up and focus,” said Cone after the crucial win over Talk ‘N Text that still kept them in the race for the final playoff spots.
Marqus Blakely was his usual dominating self, recording 26 points, 16 rebounds and five assists in the victory.
Joe Devance was also locked in from downtown, going 4-of-4 to wind up with 19 markers.
Justin Melton also carried Star in a strong fourth quarter push, pouring in nine of his 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Peter June Simon also had six of his 15 in the payoff period.
“Justin played great tonight and it shows the character that he has when given the chance,” said Cone, as he praised his whole crew for a job well done. “Needless to say, this is a big win for us. We needed a bounce back game after falling flat against Rain or Shine. We treated tonight like a Game 7 to stay in that race and we were able to do it.”
Though the team improved to 4-5, the Hotshots are still not out of the woods and can still be eliminated if they lose their last two games.
“We’re still kulelat and we have a tough road ahead of us,” said Cone.
Star goes up against Barako Bull on Sunday before closing its eliminations against Blackwater next Tuesday. (RL)
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