Maliksi hits 25 as Star defeat Meralco by 47 points

Star raced to a 63-31 lead halftime lead and never looked back, embarrassing the Meralco Bolts in a 120-73 beatdown on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Up just 28-19 after the first period, the Hotshots poured in 62 points in the next two quarters, while limiting the Bolts to just 24 points. Heading into the final turn, Star was ahead 90-43.

"I challenged my players that we need to be mentally tough in this game. Nakakatakot ang Meralco kasi tinalo nila ang Rain or Shine and ang pressure wala na rin masyado sa kanila," said Star mentor Chito Victolero. "We prepared hard for this game and I'm happy na lahat ng players nag-step up."

Star shot a stellar 56 percent from the field, hitting 49 of their 87 attempts. They also torched Meralco from deep, sinking 17 triples.

Allein Maliksi paced the Hotshots with 25 points and five boards, while Paul Lee and Justin Melton rounded up the Star starters with 15 and 10 points, respectively. The guards also combined for nine assists. The bench also carried a lot of the load, with Jio Jalalon leading the pack with 15 markers. Aldrech Ramos chipped in 13, while Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca scored 10 each.

Chris Newsome was the only Bolt in double figures with 13 points, while Reynel Hugnatan was limited to seven markers. Cliff Hodge struggled with just three points off a 1 of 7 shooting clip. —ALG, GMA News