MANILA, Philippines – Mark Barroca exploded for 26 points and the Star Hotshots arrested a 4-game losing skid by outlasting the Mahindra Enforcers, 104-96, in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, December 6 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The veteran guard sizzled from downtown with 4-of-5 triples to go with 5 rebounds, 3, assists, and 3 steals as the Hotshots moved a win away from a quarterfinals seat with a 3-4 record.
Alex Mallari contributed 20 points and 3 rebounds while James Yap and PJ Simon added 15 and 11 markers, respectively.
Star warded off a hard-fighting Mahindra led by Aldrech Ramos' career-high performance of 26 points, 12 rebounds, one steal, and a block.
Karl Dehesa contributed 24 points on 4-of-8 3-point shooting including 5 rebounds, while Kyle Pascual chipped in 11 points and 6 boards off the bench as the Enforcers lost its second straight loss for a 2-7 slate.
Scores:
Star (104): Barroca 26, Mallari 20, Yap 15, Simon 11, Pascual 10, Taha 6, Pingris 5, Sangalang 4, Melton 3, Cruz 2, Torres 2.
Mahindra (96): Ramos 26, Dehesa 24, Pascual 11, Canaleta 8, Guinto 8, Yee 8, Revilla 5, Digregorio 4, Hubalde 2, Alvarez 0, Pinto 0, Webb 0.
Quarter scores: 24-18; 46-42; 73-69; 104-96.
– Rappler.com