In form Star Hotshots shoot for 3rd win in a row
WINNERS of their first two games in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, the Star Hotshots shoot for a third straight win, taking on the struggling NLEX Road Warriors in the 7 p.m. main game today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Off a semifinal appearance in the previous PBA tournament, Star has continued with its fine form this season by chalking up back- to- back wins — over the Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters and GlobalPort Batang Pier in that order — early in the import- laden, mid- season conference to earn a spot in the top half of the standings and remain one of three teams yet to lose so far.
Setting the tone for the Hotshots is American reinforcement Tony Mitchell, who has been good for 23 points, 16.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.5 blocks and a steal in his first two games.
Providing ample support is reigning player of the week Mark Barroca with 12.5 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals a ball game.
Allein Maliksi is averaging 11 points while Aldrech Ramos has been tallying nine points and eight rebounds for Star, which played its first two matches without veteran forward Marc Pingris due to a hip injury.
“Our import has been playing well so far and the locals too have been delivering which has helped us to a good start. Hopefully we get to sustain this as the conference progresses,” said Star coach Chito Victolero of their 2-0 start.
FIRST WIN
Star opponent NLEX, meanwhile, is aiming to barge into the win column in its fourth try in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Ended at last place in the Philippine Cup, the Yeng Guiaocoached Road Warriors ( 0- 3) are once again struggling to find their footing, dropping their games at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Meralco Bolts and Mahindra Floodbuster in succession.
Import Wayne Chism has been steady for NLEX with averages of 24.3 points, 19.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.3 blocks but unfortunately it has not translated to team victories.
NLEX recently took part in a three-way player deal with Blackwater and Meralco, landing for them big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who the team hopes can provide stability and ceiling in the front line.
Meanwhile In the first game at 4:15 p.m., the TNT KaTropa (1-1) gun for back-to-back wins, battling the still-to-win Blackwater (0-3).