The Star Hotshots used a fourth quarter explosion to oust defending champions Rain or Shine, 84-69, and set up a date with sister club San Miguel Beermen in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Import Ricardo Ratliffe had a monster game, scoring 26 points, 24 boards and five assists as the Hotshots swept the Elasto Painters in their best-of-three quarterfinal series.
Paul Lee added 13 markers against his former team, while Mark Barroca finished with 12 points, five rebounds, three assists and five steals while also sparking the Hotshots’ late run.
The game was still tied at 63-all with 7:59 remaining when the Hotshots began their breakaway.
Barrocca poured in 10 points during Star’s 21-6 finishing kick to shackle Rain or Shine which struggled to convert baskets for the entire game.
Duke Crews scored 12 points and five rebounds but he was the only Rain or Shine player who breached the double-digit mark in scoring.
