MANILA, Philippines – The Star Hotshots won back-to-back games for the first time this PBA season and under the tenure of rookie head coach Jason Webb by defeating the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 91-75, on Saturday, March 12, at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.
Star used a dominant 28-10 third quarter to erase a 7-point deficit at the half and build enough of a cushion to last them the rest of the way.
The Hotshots improved to 3-4, which is only 9th in the Commissioner’s Cup league standings, but overtook the now 2-4 Fuel Masters.
Ricardo Ratliffe led the Hotshots with 21 points and 17 rebounds while PJ Simon scored 15 points for the winning side.
Phoenix import Kevin Pinkey led the team with 21 points and 11 boards while local Chico Lanete had 12 points off the bench.
Scores
Star (91): Ratliffe 21, Simon 17, Yap 13, Barroca 8, Reavis 8, Pingris 7, Sangalang 7, Maliksi 6, Pascual J. 4, Cruz 0, Melton 0
Phoenix (75): Pinkney 21, Lanete 12, Intal 10, Baracael 7, Garcia 6, Urbiztondo 6, Wilson 6, Monfort 4, Pennisi 3, Brondial 0
Quarter scores: 22-19, 37-44, 65-54, 91-75 – Rappler.com