The Star Hotshots stretched their domination of the Phoenix Fuel Masters in PBA Season 42, making it four-of-four with a 101-82 victory in a Commissioner’s Cup showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
Tony Mitchell more than held his own against Jameel McKay in a duel of PBA debuting imports, helping the Hotshots get past a team they swept in three matches in the Philippine Cup.
Mitchell shrugged off early fouls as he collected 24 points and 16 rebounds in showing his stuff as a former Detroit Piston.
Star local gunners Mark Barroca, Allein Maliksi and PJ Simon also provided firepower as the Hotshots got off to a triumphant conference start even minus key forward Marc Pingris.
“I’m thankful to my players. Our locals stepped up while our import stayed focused,” said Star coach Chito Victolero.
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“We’re wary before the game knowing Phoenix was highly motivated because of last conference,” Victolero added.
Star utterly dominated Phoenix in each of their four matches in the season.
So dominant were the Hotshots who clobbered the Fuel Masters by 114 points in those games.
Barroca, Maliksi and Simon combined for 43 points as the Hotshots stayed in command to the finish after stopping Phoenix’s early charge and taking the opening period at 30-22.
The Hotshots enjoyed their first double-digit spread at 59-49 on a short stab by Ian Sangalang on a dish-off by Rafi Reavis and led by as many as 21 towards the end.
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The Fuel Masters mounted a series of rallies but just couldn’t get into a real great groove.
They came to within four at 55-59 on two free throws by Karl Dehesa and a breakaway slam by JC Intal after a flagrant foul penalty one incurred by Maliksi.
Phoenix was still within striking distance at 67-73 towards the end of the third. Then the roof caved in on the Fuel Masters.
McKay produced 34 points and 20 rebounds in his own PBA debut.
