Star Hotshot vs San Miguel
EVENTS: 2017 PBA COMMISSIONERS CUP
SMB stretched its lead to as many as 17 points early in the fourth quarter, and were still on top by 14 markers, 99-86 with 3:29 left after six straight points by Rhodes when the Hotshots made a last-ditch effort to force a deciding game.
Paul Lee came alive after being non-existent in the early goings, scoring a tough triple from the right corner that pulled the Hotshots closest at 98-101, before the Beermen held on.
Cabagnot finished with 26 points, six boards, five assists, and two steals, while Ross added 24 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, and five steals in almost 43 minutes of play. Rhodes registered 21 points and 10 boards.
June Mar Fajardo also anchored the Beermen down low with 22 points and eight boards in 35 minutes for Austria who relied heavily on his small core again.
Ratliffe delivered another outstanding showing with 36 points and 17 boards in almost 46 minutes that went for naught as Lee finished just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting in 33 minutes, while Justin Melton was held scoreless after missing all his three shots in 16 minutes as a starter.
The Final Score Result:
SMB 109 – Cabagnot 26, Ross 24, Fajardo 22, Rhodes 21, Lassiter 8, Santos 4, Heruela 3, Espinas 1, Tubid 0
STAR 102 – Ratliffe 36, Maliksi 16, Barroca 13, Sangalang 11, Ramos 9, Lee 8, Jalalon 6, Simon 3, Melton 0, Reavis 0
Quarterscores: 29-27, 52-49, 83-69, 109-102