Star on high morale going into playoffs after ‘test of character’ win

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Star guard Paul Lee said Wednesday said the Hotshots are going into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs on a cloud nine after finishing the eliminations with a league-best 9-2 record.

The Hotshots earned their ninth win in a comeback victory over an Alaska side that led by as much as 21 points, 73-52, at the end of the third quarter.

“Of course the team’s morale is really high right now especially after a win like this,” said Lee who finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and two steals.

READ: Star outlasts Alaska in OT thriller

“That’s what coach Chito [Victolero] said, that we need these kinds of games going into the playoffs because this was a test of our character.”

Star outscored Alaska 46-21 in the final 17 minutes of play and three of which came off Lee’s booming triple from 40 feet out to give the Hotshots a 97-93 lead with 1:32 left in overtime.

For Lee, though, a three from such distance was no fluke.

“I was focused on the game and I was confident on my shot because I always practice that,” said Lee. “I knew how far that was, I do that every time in practice. When the shot clock is winding down and you need to take those kinds of shots.”