Star stuns San Miguel, forces do-or-die for semis spot

Allein Maliksi and the Star Hotshots will live to fight another day against SMB. KC Cruz

The Star Hotshots forced San Miguel Beer to a sudden death match for a spot in the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals after a stirring 108-99 victory on Monday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Coming into their quarterfinals matchup as the eighth seed, the Hotshots clawed back in the second half against the top-ranked Beermen to secure the do-or-die date.

"Super tough game, that's playoff basketball personified," said Star coach Jason Webb.

Import Ricardo Ratliffe was dominant even against the towering San Miguel frontline, scoring 33 points and grabbing 29 rebounds.

He had plenty of perimeter support from Allein Maliksi and Peter June Simon, who were key in Star's second half comeback after San Miguel took a 53-42 lead at the half. Maliksi finished with 23 points on five three-pointers, while Simon added 22 to win player of the game honors.

"Thankful for the God-given heart my guys have," said the first-year coach. "These guys they never give up, they never give in."

June Mar Fajardo led San Miguel with 24 points, while import Tyler Wilkinson chipped in 22.

The do-or-die matchup is set on Wednesday, and Webb is already bracing for an even tougher outing. He believes his wards are up the challenge.

"I don't have to make these guys believe, they know how good they are," said Webb. "It's just a matter of who's gonna get lucky on Wednesday." —JST, GMA News

The scores:

STAR 108 - Ratliffe 33, Maliksi 23, Simon 22, Barroca 10, Melton 8, Pingris 5, Reavis 5, Sangalang 2, Cruz 0.

SAN MIGUEL 99 - Fajardo 24, Wilkerson 22, Santos 16, Lassiter 11, David 8, Ross 8, Tubid 6, Cabagnot 2, Espinas 2, Arana 0, De Ocampo 0, Reyes 0.

Quarters: 20-26, 42-53, 74-75, 108-99