PASAY—Star moved to within a win from returning to the PBA Philippine Cup finals after subduing Ginebra, 89-80, in Game 6 of their Manila Clasico semifinal series at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday night.
The Hotshots prevailed despite not converting a field goal in the last 4:51 of the game as Jayjay Helterbrand lost steam in the end.
Star limited Ginebra to only 10 points in the third quarter to open a 71-55 lead and appeared to be holding on after keeping the margin with 4:51 left off a Mark Barroca three.
But Ginebra launched an 11-2 run capped by two triples from Helterbrand to come to within seven, 80-87, with 2:18 left.
It turned out to be the Barangay's final hurrah as they went scoreless from thereon.
Rafi Reavis turned back Father Time with a 17-point, 13-rebound, and two-block performance, while Barroca added 12 points, four rebounds, and seven assists.
Japeth Aguilar led Ginebra with 13 points, but he never scored a point in the second half.
The Hotshots can eliminate the Barangay on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Box Scores:
Star 89-Reavis 17, Barroca 12, Lee 10, Maliksi 10, Simon 8, Brondial 8, Melton 7, Pingris 6, Sangalang 5, Jalalon 2, Ramos 2, Dela Rosa 2
Ginebra 80-Aguilar 13, Mercado 9, Ellis 9, Caguioa 9, Helterbrand 6, Cruz 6, Taha 5, Thompson 5, Tenorio 5, Ferrer 4, Mariano 4, Marcelo 3, Devance 2
Quarterscores: 21-22, 49-45, 71-55, 89-80
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
.JPG)
.jpg)
