ARMED with a seven-game winning streak and with all momentum on its side, Star tries to continue its rampage and move a step closer to returning to the finals.
The Hotshots are looking to carve a commanding 2-0 best-of-seven series lead over Barangay Ginebra as the two protagonists lock horns again in the semifinals of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
Game 2 of their semis affair is slated today at 5 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with both having contradicting goals.
Despite a 1-0 series lead, the rampaging Star isn’t in any mood to be complacent at all, knowing how long a seven-game series is.
“It’s a grinding series and I told the team that what we need to do at all times is stay together,” said Star coach Chito Victolero, who is the man responsible for this renaissance of the Hotshots. “We need to play with a proper mindset pa rin and bring our heart and emotion.”
“It’s just 1-0. Wala pa kaming napapatunayan. We need to win Game 2 kasi hindi masyado magma-matter ‘yung Game 1 win,” said Star forward Marc Pingris, who remains a difference maker, especially on the defensive end.
After trailing by double-digits early in the first half of Game 1, Star stormed back and hammered out a hard-earned 78-74 victory against the Gin Kings in Game 1 Thursday night to draw first blood.
“It was all about team effort and team defense. We were able to have the mental toughness to win it. May suwerte and hard work,” said Victolero of the opening victory.
“It’s all about defense in this series. That’s what got us our win,” said Pingris.
Superstar Paul Lee, Mark Barroca and Pingris joined hands to spearhead Star’s attack on the depleted Gin Kings.
Lee scored five crucial points in the last three minutes to boost Star and lead it to triumph.
In total, he scored 18 while Barroca had 17 and Pingris contributed nine along with 13 rebounds.
The Hotshots’ Game 1 defense limited Japeth Aguilar to only 11 points and LA Tenorio to only eight.
Ginebra is now facing a must-win situation to avoid a deep 0-2 hole.
