Star Hotshots try to barge into win column
UNSUCCESSFUL in notching a win in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup in their first two tries, the Star Hotshots hope third time is a charm, taking on the NLEX Road Warriors in the 7 p.m. main game today at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Playing under a new coach in Chito Victolero and featuring a rejigged roster, Star has found the going tough early in the seasonopening Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) tournament.
The Hotshots have lost their first two assignments, bowing to defending champion San Miguel, 96-88, on opening day before falling anew to Globalport Batang Pier, 91-84, in their second game.
It is a situation that has left the team “wondering” but nonetheless determined to change in its upcoming games, beginning today.
Veteran forward Marc Pingris is leading the team in scoring with 13 points per outing to go along with 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, a steal and a block.
New Hotshots Aldrech Ramos and Paul Lee, acquired in the offseason by way of separate trades, are backstopping him with 12 points and six rebounds, and 10.5 markers and 8.5 boards, respectively.
Looking to add to the struggles of Star is NLEX, which is coming off a loss in its last game after debuting in the Philippine Cup with a victory.
Now coached by Yeng Guiao, the Road Warriors had trouble keeping in step with the Meralco Bolts all the way in their previous game to absorb their first loss, 106-93, in the tournament.
Sean Anthony led NLEX in a losing cause with 15 points and eight rebounds.
Eric Camson, Garvo Lanete and Raul Soyud each had 14 points for the Road Warriors.
Unfortunately for the team, it will miss the services of big man Enrico Villanueva, who is expected to be out for the remainder of the Philippine Cup after suffering an MCL tear on his left knee in their first game.
Preceding the Star- NLEX match is the clash between the Alaska Aces and Globalport in the 4:15 p.m. opener.
Alaska has yet to win a game so far while Globalport is on top of the standings and the only team still spotless with a 2-0 record.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters’ veteran wingman JC Intal was named PBA player of the week for the period of Nov. 29 to Dec. 4.
In the said stretch, the former Ateneo star averaged 23.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and two assists while helping his team to backto-back victories, including one over powerhouse San Miguel.
“He is one of the hardestworking players I’ve coached and even though he is considered our franchise player, he is willing to learn and very coachable,” Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia said of Mr. Intal following their win over the Mahindra Flood buster last Sunday. —