Star pulverizes Phoenix for 2nd straight win

By JAY R. GOTERA MANILA — The Star Hotshots shot a terrific 62 percent from the field to demolish a suddenly ice-cold Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters, 123-79, Saturday night in the most lopsided result yet in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup. The Hotshots made 50 of 81 shots en route to their second straight win after losing their first two games. They are now tied at fifth to eighth place in the standings with TNT, Blackwater and Phoenix. Rain or Shine is still at the top of the standings with 3-1 win-loss card, followed by San Miguel Beer, Meralco and GlobalPort, all at 2-1. Six Hotshots scored in double digits led by Paul Lee and Allein Maliksi who nailed 18 points apiece. PJ Simon added 15 while Mark Barroca, Justin Melton, and Jio Jalolon chipped in 11 markers each. In just the first two quarters of the game, Lee and Simon already combined for 26 points, including five three-pointers, as the Hotshots broke a 14-all deadlock in the first quarter and erected a 23-point lead, 61-38, at halftime. The Hotshots even boosted their lead up to 53 points, 119-66, halfway in the fourth quarter. Star made eight of 15 three-point attempts against Phoenix’s 3-of-21 shooting. The loss snapped Phoenix’s two-game winning streak. The Fuel Masters—a team that upset San Miguel Beer, 92-85, then drubbed Mahindra, 114-104—were totally out of synch Saturday night as they suffered their worst beating yet in the conference. Simon Enciso led Phoenix with 16 points. JC Intal and Willy Wilson added 13 markers while rookie Matthew Wright chipped in 12. Games Sunday: Mahindra Flood Buster (0-3) vs. San Miguel Beermen (2-1) and GlobalPort Batang Pier (2-1) vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings (1-1).