STAR import Denzel Bowles splits the double team of Blackwater’s MJ Rhett (left) and Mike Cortez. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
STAR finally snapped out of its slump and sent Blackwater down to earth with a resounding thud.
The Hotshots broke away in the second quarter and made the Elite look silly the rest of the way in a 122-103 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup victory that showcased Star’s full potential at Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Denzel Bowles logged 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists while four locals, led by Allein Maliksi’s 23, tossed in twin figures for the Hotshots, who arrested a three-game slide.
So in sync were the Hotshots that they even went on to lead by as large as 28 en route to snapping the Elite’s first winning streak and dropping Blackwater to an even 2-2 record.
“Finally,” Star coach Jason Webb said upon taking his seat for the customary winning coach’s interview. “It took a while. The team really played well. We’re relieved that we finally got one.”
Alaska snapped a five-game losing streak dating back to the Philippine Cup as new import Shane Edwards poured in 36 points and had 20 rebounds in a 108-100 win over defending champion Tropang TNT later in the night.
RJ Jazul and Vic Manuel drilled in 13 each for the Aces (1-1), who dealt the Texters a third straight loss in a 1-3 card. TNT also had a new import in David Simon, who had 35 points and 19 boards.
The scores:
First Game
STAR 122—Bowles 28, Maliksi 23, Yap 15, Barroca 10, Simon 10, Melton 8, Sangalang 8, Pascual 7, Pingris 7, Cruz 4, Torres 2.
BLACKWATER 103—Rhett 30, Lastimosa 20, Erram 13, Cervantes 11, Dela Cruz 9, Gamalinda 5, Reyes 5, Agovida 4, Cortez 4, Bulawan 2, Golla 0, Vosotros 0.
Quarters: 28-22, 58-41, 92-75, 122-103
Second Game
ALASKA 108—Edwards 36, Jazul 13, Manuel 13, Abueva 11, Banchero 9, Baguio 8, Casio 7, Thoss 6, Dela Rosa 3, Eman 2, Exciminiano 0, Racal 0.
TROPANG TNT 100—Simon 35, Rosser 14, De Ocampo 13, Rosario 12, Castro 11, Fonacier 6, Reyes R. 3, Reyes J. 3, Tautuaa 3, Carey 0, Nuyles 0.
Quarters: 24-26, 44-53, 73-78, 108-100