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Star shines in Q4, averts Blackwater upset

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY—Star used a huge fourth quarter blast to hold off Blackwater, 96-90, in their PBA Commissioner's Cup clash at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

The Hotshots bounced back from a sluggish third quarter with a flurry in the final 12 minutes to snap a two-game skid.

It was actually an odd-even tale as Blackwater took a 23-21 lead after the first quarter while opening a nine-point gap late in the third with Star unleashing its might in the second.

But it was the Hotshots' 26-11 outburst in the first 10 minutes of the fourth that made the difference as they opened a 10-point lead, 91-81, that they held on until the end.

Tony Mitchell led five Star players in double figures with 17 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and one steal.

KG Canaleta had 27 points for Blackwater, while Greg Smith added 22 points, 29 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and one steal.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno