THE Star Hotshots extended their winning form in the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs last night, defeating the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, 78-74, in Game One of their “Manila Clasico” best-of-seven semifinal series.
Engaged in a low-scoring game, the Hotshots hacked out the win behind a strong finishing kick with guard Paul Lee taking center stage.
The match immediately took a defensive tone in the first period with both teams keeping each other in check en route to a 19-14 score at the end of the opening quarter in favor of Barangay Ginebra.
The Kings got off to quick start in the second canto, padding their lead in the first few minutes. But the Hotshots clawed their way back to narrow their deficit by halftime, 38-37.
The intensity would pick up in the third frame with both teams angling to break away. They would fail however as they remained at each other’s faces.
Nonetheless, the Hotshots would overtake the Kings for a two-point cushion, 60-58, at the end of the third period.
The nip-and-tuck affair continued in the fourth with no team wanting to budge.
They would be knotted for the last time at 71-all with 4:20 left in the contest after which Mr. Lee would take over.
He hit a three-pointer to break the deadlock before Rafi Reavis added another two points to extend their lead to five.
Barangay Ginebra sliced Star’s lead to two, 76-74, with 1:30 remaining on an LA Tenorio triple.
“The Lee-thal Weapon” completed his heroics by hitting a looper off a spin move in the lane to beat the shot clock and extend their lead, 78-74, with 26 seconds left.
Star, now on a seven-game winning streak, would then move and preserve the win.
Mr. Lee finished the game with 18 points and five rebounds, with Mark Barroca contributing 17 markers.
Marc Pingris had all-around numbers of nine points, 12 rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks.
Chris Ellis, meanwhile, led Barangay Ginebra with 12 points.
“It was all about playing as a team, especially on defense. It was a close game and I told the boys that we have to brace ourselves and step up,” said Star coach Chito Victolero after their win.
Game Two of Star-Barangay Ginebra semifinals happens tomorrow at the Mall of Asia Arena at 5 p.m.