By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Star stayed in the race for a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals with a 109-83 rout of GlobalPort in a crucial preliminary round showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night.
Defense was the key for the Hotshots in the end as they limited the Batang Pier to only 18 points in the final quarter to forge the breakaway.
Malcolm Hill led Star, which snapped a three-game skid and tied Rain Or Shine and San Miguel in fifth place at 5-3, a half-game behind TNT for fourth, with 32 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, five steals, and two blocks.
Ian Sangalang added 17 markers on 7-of-10 shooting and 10 caroms.
Kyle Pascual only got one point and one rebound in four minutes of play, while Bambam Gamalinda got one block in their debut for Star.
Kyle Pascual only got one point and one rebound in four minutes of play, while Bambam Gamalinda got one block in their debut for Star.
Murphey Holloway made 20 markers, 17 boards, three dimes, three blocks, and four steals for GlobalPort, which fell to 3-6.
Box Scores:
Star 109-Hill 32, Sangalang 17, Ramos 9, Lee 9, Barroca 8, Mendoza 7, Pingris 6, Reavis 4, Brondial 4, Jalalon 4, Simon 2, Melton 2, Pascual 1, Abundo 0, Gamalinda 0
GlobalPort 83-Holloway 20, Anthony 12, Romeo 11, Guinto 11, Baracael 10, Pringle 5, Cortez 5, Cardona 5, Hubalde 2, Paredes 2, Mamaril 0, Celiz 0, Grey 0, Arana 0
Quarterscores: 19-12, 48-38, 81-65, 109-83
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