Paul Lee leads Star past NLEX, headed by his long-time mentor Yeng Guiao. PBA IMAGES
Star finally barged into the win column after thrashing NLEX, 99-75, in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at Mall of Asia Arena.
Paul Lee had 20 points, five rebounds and seven assists for the Hotshots, who had never beaten a team handled by head coach Yeng Guiao until tonight.
“It’s about our defense. The players really committed to our defensive plan and they had the desire and willingness to win,” said Star head coach Chito Victolero.
“They knew that at 0-2, they need to step up and have that sense of urgency. I’m happy for my players because they really wanted to win.”
Rookie Jio Jalalon also gave the Hotshots a lift with 17 points, five rebounds and five steals in less than 25 minutes off the bench.
Star surged ahead in the second half, pulling away in the third quarter where it led, 71-57.
Guards Carlo Lastimosa and Jonas Villanueva scored 11 apiece for the Road Warriors, who turned the ball over 31 times. The Hotshots weren’t any better with 30 turnovers.
With the victory, Star tied its victims with a similar 1-2 slate.