LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The Star Hotshots earned a critical win over the Mahindra Enforcers to book their ticket to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs, 86-73, on Wednesday, April 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The win improved the record of the Hotshots to 5-6, which currently puts the team in the eighth and final postseason spot. Mahindra, which ends the conference on a 6-game losing streak, dropped to 4-7 and out of the playoff picture.
Former Letran Knight Mark Cruz had the best game of his rookie career so far, scoring 18 points off the bench to aid the 24 points and 16 boards of import Ricardo Ratliffe. Ian Sangalang also played well with 12 points for the Hotshots.
On the other end, Mahindra was led by the 13 points each of Augustus Gilchrist, Karl Dehesa, and Aldrech Ramos.
Scores:
Star (86): Ratliffe 24, Cruz 18, Sangalang 12, Maliksi 11, Simon 8, Barroca 5, Melton 4, Pingris 3, Reavis 1, Pascual J. 0
Mahindra (73): Dehesa 13, Gilchrist 13, Ramos 13, Canaleta 8, Yee 7, Revilla 5, Elorde 4, Guinto 4, Aguilar 2, Bagatsing 2, Ballesteros 2, De Vera 0, Digregorio 0, Pinto 0
Quarter scores: 32-21, 43-36, 53-51, 86-73 – Rappler.com