Star sorely missed presence of Pingris, admits Barroca

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Star point guard Mark Barroca said the Hotshots’ lack of size in the frontcourt was a big blow in their semifinals series loss against San Miguel that culminated Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Hotshots won the first game of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series 109-105, but lost the next three to fall to the Finals-bound Beermen 4-1.

Barroca and crew had to contend with the size of the Beermen who had the 6-foot-10 June Mar Fajardo and the 6-foot-8 Charles Rhodes.

The guard said one man who could’ve spelled a difference was power forward Marc Pingris.

“We had a really small rotation in the four spot, we needed that hustle because Rafi [Reavis] will play limited minutes,” said Barroca. “Rafi’s not getting any younger.”

“I really think that we really needed Ping this series.”

Pingris has never played a single game this Commissioner’s Cup due to injury, and the 6’5” power forward is set to fly to Los Angeles to have his hip checked.

Most of the rebounding duties had to fall to import Ricardo Ratliffe who’s averaged 23 boards across four games.

Star had to rely on Ian Sangalang to complement Ratliffe’s rebounding but the lanky forward averaged just 4.75 boards a night.

Reavis, for his part, averaged a square four a night.

Barroca added that they failed to give ample support to Ratliffe who practically carried the Hotshots the whole series.

“We should’ve been more consistent in providing help to Ricardo,” said Barroca. “Ricardo helps us so much, so we should return the favor.”