The Star Hotshots completed an impressive comeback from 21 points down to beat the Alaska Aces, 102-98, in a wild overtime finish in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at Cuneta Astrodome.
The Hotshots trailed by 21, 73-52, with 36 seconds left in the third quarter but they were still able to force extra period and win thanks to crazy three-pointers from Paul Lee and Justin Melton.
The loss sent Alaska (4-7) to its seventh straight loss of the tournament–the franchise’s longest skid in 28 years. The Aces also fell short of securing the No.6 spot and are now on the brink of facing a twice-to-win situation in the quarterfinals.
Import Ricardo Ratliffe collected 35 points, 28 rebounds and five blocks to lead Star (9-2) which boosted its chances of nabbing a twice-to-beat ticket.
Lee made 18 points and five rebounds, while Melton had 12 points on four triples to go with six boards and three assists.
The Hotshots launched a 15-0 attack in the fourth frame fueled by Lee’s eight points to get themselves back in the game.
Star then took an 86-81 cushion with 3:11 left before Alaska import Cory Jefferson nailed back-to-back triples to help the Aces tie the game at 87-all.
The game was still knotted at 89-all with 53 seconds left after free throws by Ratliffe and Jefferson. Both teams had their chances to win the game but missed.
Star then outdueled Alaska in overtime behind clutch shots by Melton and Lee.
Melton fired a booming triple from way beyond the arc with 26 seconds left in overtime to give Star a 100-98 lead. Ratliffe sealed the win with two free throws.
Before that, Lee also drained a three-pointer from the same distance to help Star prevail in a shootout against Alaska.
Calvin Abueva, who battled through cramps, scored 22 points and seven boards to lead the Aces.
