PUREFOODS KEEPS SLATE CLEAN, TIES FOR LEAD
An import change didn’t alter the course the Purefoods Star Hotshots have been traversing in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Daniel Orton picked up from where Marqus Blakely left off as the Hotshots sustained their hot run, walloping the NLEX Road Warriors, 87-62, for a fourth straight win in the PBA mid-season tourney at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
Orton played the game expected of him by coach Tim Cone, providing an imposing inside presence and showing the ability to spot open teammates as he helped the Hotshots regain a share of the lead with the Meralco Bolts at 4-0.
The former OKC Thunder and Washington Wizard piled up 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in his PBA debut even as he rested with a good five minutes left to play.
For all intents and purposes, the game was all over midway through the fourth quarter of the most lopsided match in the tourney thus far.
No sooner, NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez also gave import Al Thornton a rest.
Cone like what he saw in Orton’s PBA debut.
“He just showed why he’s a high NBA draft pick. He delivered a nice message,” said Cone of the 29th pick overall by the OKC Thunder in the 2010 NBA Draft.
“To be honest, getting him to replace Marqus (Blakely) was a tough decision for us. We were quite worried. His skills and his size were no question. What we didn’t know is his energy and whether he would be happy to be here. He just showed he’s happy to be here and he’s happy with his teammates,” Cone pointed out.
“He makes us tougher defensively as he’s a big man that can run the floor well. His wingspan makes him bigger than he is,” Cone also said.
More importantly, he has seemingly lifted the spirit and emotion of the Hotshots even more.
His nose to get the rebounds and the eyes to dish off complemented Purefoods’ game as the Hotshots sent the Road Warriors reeling with a third straight loss.
The Hotshots took command in holding the Road Warriors to six points in the second period.
After opening a 36-26 lead at the half, the Hotshots never let up, breaking the game wide open at 84-54 before completing the ghastly rout.
Mark Barroca top scored with 17 points while Allein Maliksi and Joe Devance added 13 and 11, respectively.
The Hotshots did a good job on the defensive end, neutralizing all the NLEX key men, particular Thornton who was held down to 11 points and seven rebounds. (SB)
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