STAR turned back Alaska, 103-93, in a tune-up game that saw both team’s rookies living up to expectations on Saturday at the Upper Deck gym.
Ian Sangalang showed the way for the Hotshots with 21 points, but rookie wingman Robbie Herndon lived up to his reputation as a pure scorer in adding 19 markers.
Aldrech Ramos and Marc Pingris were the other Hotshots who scored in double figures with 14 and 12 points, respectively, for a shorthanded team that missed the services of injured Paul Lee and Jio Jalalon, as well as Justin Melton, and PJ Simon.
“So far, so good,” Star coach Chito Victolero said. “Nakikita namin kahit papaano yung mga need namin i-improve pa. But yung condition ng mga bata, siguro nasa seventy to eighty percent na, yung execution namin nagi-improve din.”
The Aces trailed most of the way, but saw positives in rookies Davon Potts and Jeron Teng, who registered 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Vic Manuel showed he’s nearing top form after a nagging knee injury last season, as he led the Aces with 17 points, while Simon Enciso added 10 points in a losing cause.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
