PBA: Star explodes, rips Phoenix

Star vs Phoenix. PBA IMAGES

Star went berserk and ripped Phoenix, 123-79, for its second straight win in the PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Hotshots improved to 2-2 after going winless in their first two games while the Fuel Masters slipped to the same record.

“The players really committed to our defensive system,” said Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero. “Right now, we’re having a great run, the players are having a good time.”

The latest win was a follow up to the 99-75 demolition of NLEX last Wednesday.

Victolero added the Hotshots defensive game plan was to prevent the Fuel Masters’ transition offense.

And Victolero’s team did just that, limiting Phoenix to seven fast break points while converting 21 on their end.

Paul Lee and Allein Maliksi led Star with 18 points apiece while PJ Simon added 15.

Rookie Jio Jalalon filled up the stat sheets for the Hotshots putting up a line of 11 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

Simon Enciso had a team-high 16 points for Phoenix.

Star also got a huge boost from its bench getting a healthy 68 points from its second stringers.