James Yap. PHOTO Tristan Rafael Tamay
STAR Hotshots’ win over Barako Bull Energy not only put another mark on their win column but also landed them on a familiar place- the playoff tree.
As expected, import Marqus Blakely was at the helm as he finished with 33 points but it was James Yap who made the glitz and made his team glamor in the 117-89 victory.
Yap finished with 17 points on 7-of-11 field goals, three field goals came off three-pointers.
Star currently sit at seventh seed with a 5-5 record and are assured of a playoff spot after starting the Governor’s Cup with a 1-4 disaster.
Yap said all of them are focused, but the term “focused” is an understatement for them.
“Every single one of us is focused, but I don’t think ‘focused’ is the right word because we all know what to do this time. The playoffs are very near,” Yap said. “Everyone is helping each other to win.”
Yap shook off a terrible campaign, where he was pedestrian figure in the Hotshots campaign, one of his best games giving them a much-needed win.
“This game is very important,” Yap said. “It would be very dangerous if we lose.”