Star stays alive in playoff hunt, dumps Blackwater

Star kept its flames alive and stayed in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs in the PBA Philippine Cup after humbling Blackwater, 119-95, Wednesday at Cuneta Astrodome.

The Hotshots improved to 5-4 after a second straight win, joining Alaska, TNT, Globalport, and Rain or Shine at third seed, while while Blackwater slipped to 5-6.

Star distanced itself from Blackwater courtesy of a 19-8 run in the fourth to build a 20-point lead, 107-87.

“This is the start of our playoffs, I know the guys are mentally tough and they are veterans, they know the situation, and they know what to do,” said Star head coach Chito Victolero. “They are focused in practice and at the same time they’re enjoying it.”

Star shot the lights out from deep hitting 16 triples while holding down the Elite on the other end, limiting them to just seven conversions.

And the Hotshots’ defense was also evident on the stat sheet as they registered 10 steals and five blocks.

Allein Maliksi came off the bench and put up 26 points to lead Star while Paul Lee and Justin Melton had 15 apiece.

Art Dela Cruz led Blackwater with 23 points and six boards.