By JAY R. GOTERA
MANILA — The Star Hotshots razed a 21-point deficit to inflict yet another heartbreaking loss on the Alaska Aces in overtime, 102-98, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup Wednesday night.
The Aces were still up by 17 points at the start of the fourth quarter when the Hotshots ignited a 21-3 run that knotted the score in regulation at 89-all.
Star kept the fire burning during the five-minute extension to notch their fifth straight win. The Hotshots thus finished the eliminations still on top of the standings with a 9-2 win-loss record, and still in the hunt for a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals defending on the results of the games Friday, the last elimination round play date.
The Aces suffered a record seven straight loss after starting the conference with four straight wins. Alaska could figure in a knockout match against either GlobalPort or Phoenix for the eighth and final spot in the quarterfinals.
Ricardo Ratliffe exploded for 35 points and a whopping 28 rebounds for Star. The tireless import also blocked five shots in almost 50 minutes.
Paul Lee also played a crucial role in the Star victory, finishing with 18 points off the bench, including a lethal three-pointer that gave the Hotshots a four-point lead with over a minute left in overtime.
Justin Melton added 12 markers, including back-to-back three-pointers in overtime that gave Star a 100-98 lead with 26 seconds to go.
Calvin Abueva tried his best to lift the Aces, enduring cramps and hard falls to come up with a team-high 22 points on top of seven rebounds, four steals, and two blocks.
Import Cory Jefferson added 21 points, with his two free throws forcing overtime. He also collected 13 rebounds and three blocks.
Chris Banchero chipped in 19 points and seven assists, while Kevin Racal had 13 points and eight rebounds.
San Miguel Beer 124, Blackwater 113
The San Miguel Beermen found themselves trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half against the lowly Blackwater Elite before unleashing their full might the rest of the way to win, 124-113.
Their eighth win in 10 games moved the Beermen closer to a Top 2 finish for the twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals. The Elite finished their Commissioner’s Cup campaign on losing note, ending up tied at the bottom of the standings with the NLEX Road Warriors win a 2-9 mark.
Blackwater stunned SMB in the early going, scoring a whopping 40 points in the second quarter to erect a 72-56 lead at the half.
The Beermen finally stepped on the gas after the halftime break, unleashing an 18-2 run to tie the score. There was no stopping the Beermen, outscoring the Elite, 34-17, in the final quarter to run away with the win.
Import Charles Rhodes led the SMB onslaught in the second half, finishing with a game-high 32 points, punctuated with an assortment of highlight-reel slams, plus nine rebounds.
June Mar Fajardo topped SMB local scorers with 28 points and seven boards. Marcio Lassiter also sparkled with 21 points, an eye-popping eight steals, six rebounds, and four assists.
Chris Ross added 14 markers and 13 assists while Arwind Santos came off the bench to chip in 13 points and eight boards. Gabby Espinas had 10 points, four boards, and four assists, also off the bench.
Import Greg Smith led Blackwater with 21 points and 22 rebounds, but committed 11 errors. Mike Digregorio, KG Canaleta and Mark Cruz added 16 points apiece.
Blackwater star center Poy Erram played for the first time in nine months after recovering from an ACL injury but failed to score.
Games: San Miguel Beer (8-2) vs. GlobalPort Batang Pier (4-6) and Barangay Ginebra Kings (8-2) vs. Mahindra Floodbuster (3-7).
