By JAY R. GOTERA
MANILA — The Star Hotshots showed tremendous firepower, easily overpowering the struggling GlobalPort Batang Pier, 103-77, in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup road game in Tubod, Lanao del Norte Saturday night.
The win followed the Hotshots’ 19-point victory against the Phoenix Fuel Masters last Wednesday.
Import Tony Mitchell once again sparkled for the Hotshots, finishing with team-highs of 22 points and 17 boards.
Rookie Jio Jalalon led Star’s locals with 15 markers on top of six boards, two assists, and two steals in just 22 minutes off the bench. The rest of the team’s score was evenly distributed among the other locals with Peter June Simon, Aldrech Ramos, and Justin Melton finishing with 9 points apiece while Ian and Mark Barroca added 8 markers each.
After a tight first half, the Hotshots pulled away at the start of the third quarter as they ratcheted up their fast-paced style of play that bewildered the Batang Pier.
GlobalPort’s second straight defeat spoiled the return of Terrence Romeo, who was sluggish after being sidelined reportedly by typhoid fever. The team’s top scorer and playmaker still managed to produce 13 points on 5-of-18 shooting on top of eight assists, and seven boards in 35 minutes. However, he committed seven turnovers.
Import Sean Williams led the Batang Pier with 20 points and 14 boards. Stanley Pringle finished with 19 markers and eight rebounds in the loss.
Games Sunday: TNT KaTropa Texters (0-1) vs. Phoenix Fuel Masters (1-1) and Blackwater Elite (0-2) vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (2-0).
