MANILA, Philippines – Star Hotshots take game 1 against the Ginebra San Miguel in their semifinal series opener with a close win with a final score of 78-74 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum tonight February 09, 2017.
Photo courtesy of the PBA Media Bureau
Star Hotshots main gunner Paul Lee and Barroca both in double digit output. Paul Lee finished with 18pts including the crucial spin move basket in the final seconds, he also added 8 rebounds, Barroca also added 17pts while Gilas stopper Marc Pingris made a big impact with his 9pts, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks.
It was a tight game in the opening quarter for both teams as they exchange basket after a basket made as a result, they had 6th lead changes and 5th deadlocks in the first period alone. Ginebra’s lead by 19-14 after 12 minutes of play.
Going into the second period Ginebra has been always in the driver seat as their lead steadily in double digits, Ginebra still holds by 10pts half way in the period with 35-25 lead, but Star find a rhythm with a back-to-back basket of Barroca to trim the lead and forced 12-3 run to end the period including Maliksi three-pointer to cut the lead only by 1pt going into the break 38-37.
Its just a strong defense of both teams in the third period both teams had lead as much as 5pts. Ginebra went early in 45-40 lead in the opening period, but this was the biggest lead of Ginebra’s going in the last 2 quarters. Star Hotshots take control and bounced back to 60-55 lead before Ellis buries his triple to trim the lead by 60-58 to end the period.
Star Hotshots could not left easily the Barangay as Sol Mercado started on fire in the final period, but the Barangay never taste any lead but somehow they tied 4 times in the period alone. Star Hotshots only find holes in the final 3 minutes when they hold a 76-71.
Ginebra had the chance to close in the end after Tenorio hit a triple to trim the lead by 76-74 but “Angas ng Tondo” Paul Lee made a crucial basket escaping tight defense of Mercado that nearly a shot clock violation of the Hotshots.
Despite 4 players of Barangay who finished in double figure only Chris Ellis had the biggest output with 12pts.
Game 2 of the series will be on Saturday, February 11 at Mall of Asia Arena.
Game Summary
Total Lead Changes: 9
Total Deadlock: 11
Biggest Lead: 10pts (Ginebra) happen 6 times in the second period
Biggest Lead: 5pts (Star Hotshots) happen 2 times
Quarter Scoring
First Quarter: Star Hotshots (14-19)
Second Quarter: (23-19)
Third Quarter: (23-20)
Fourth Quarter: (18-16) Ginebra San Miguel
Total: 78-74
Scores
STAR (78): Lee 18, Barroca 17, Pingris 9, Sangalang 8, Maliksi 7, Jalalon 6, Melton 5, Reavis 5, Dela Rosa 2, Ramos 1, Brondial 0.
GINEBRA (74): Ellis 12, Aguilar 11, Mercado 10, Cruz 10, Tenorio 8, Thompson 7, Ferrer 7, Marcelo 5, Mariano 4
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