Star ousts Rain or Shine, books semis berth

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Star got going late en route to an 84-69 win over Rain or Shine and a slot in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots broke loose from a 63-deadlock with 7:59 left behind heady point guard Mark Barroca, who scored 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter.

“We expected a grinding game. At the start of our preparation, I told my players it’s going to be a different story in Game 2,” said Star head coach Chito Victolero. “They are more physical and Rain or Shine’s desire to win is much better.”

“Their preparation against Ricardo, they did a good job all throughout the game. They were able to limit Ricardo’s touches,” Victolero added. “Credit also to coach Caloy and his coaching staff but my players never gave up. They kept on grinding and digging. We’re just positive the whole game.”

Rain or Shine may have been able to contain Star’s import Ricardo Ratliffe, but there was no stopping the menacing big man from making an imprint in the game.

Ratliffe posted a double-double with 26 points and 24 rebounds that went with five assists. He single-handedly out-rebounded Rain or Shine in the offensive glass, 9-2.

Barroca, who also collected five rebounds, three assists and five steals, hit two free throws that made it, 80-69, with 1:34 remaining.

With the win, Star swept Rain or Shine in their best-of-three series and set up a best-of-five semis duel with San Miguel Beer.

“I haven’t thought of San Miguel yet. I’m still focused on Rain or Shine. But you know, it will be a very tough game against SMB. We will expect a more grinding game because of their experience,” Victolero said.

“Their frontcourt combination of Fajardo, Rhodes, and Santos, plus their magnificent guards, I think we need to have that defensive scheme and proper preparations for this series.”

The Beermen, who barged into the semis after knocking off the Phoenix Fuel Masters in lopsided fashion, beat the Hotshots, 103-97, in the elimination round last month.

But Star had a different import then in Tony Mitchell and with Ratliffe in tow, Victolero feels his team will be able to matchup better against the Beermen.

Duke Crews, who was saddled by foul trouble early, was the only Elasto Painter in double-digit scoring with 12 points.

Rain or Shine got out-rebounded, 57-39, and had twice as many turnovers with 24 than assists.