Star steamrolls Blackwater to come up victorious in Govs Cup debut

PJ Simon fired for 20 for Star Hotshots to open the Governors' Cup right. (file)
By Dugout Philippines

QUEZON CITY --  Star dominated their way to start their Governors' Cup campaign on the right track, brushing aside Blackwater for their opening win Sunday afternoon at the Big Dome.

With five players in double digits, Chito Victolero's Hotshots dictated the tempo from the opening tiff and never looked back to begin their quest in regaining the trophy that completed their Grand Slam three years ago with a 103-86 win.

PJ Simon fired 20 markers, which was backed up by Allein Maliksi and import Cinmeon Bowers who had fifteen each.

Despite pulling a groin in the fourth quarter, Travis Simpson paced the Elite with 24 points, who fell down at 0-2.

However, Star took advantage on his injury, unleashing a 19-5 run that pushed the lead to 21, 101-80 in the final 2:30 to put the game away.

SCORES:

Star Hotshots 103 – Simon 20, Maliksi 15, Bowers 15, Sangalang 14, Reavis 11, Lee 7, Ramos 7, Barroca 6, Dela Rosa 6, Mendoza 2, Melton 0, Javier 0, Brondial 0, Abundo 0.

Blackwater 86 – Simpson 24, Erram 11, Digregorio 11, Cruz 10, Banal 8, Cervantes 5, Sumang 4, Buenafe 3, Sena 2, Canaleta 2, Pinto 2, Gamalinda 2, Aguilar 2, Pascual 0.

Quarter scores: 28-22, 49-40, 75-68, 103-86

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