MANILA — The Star Hotshots mangled the decimated GlobalPort Batang Pier, 127-100—their third straight win in the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup Friday night. The win allowed Star to climb to solo sixth spot in the standings with its 4-4 win-loss mark. GlobalPort fell to the bottom of the pack after absorbing its fifth loss in seven games. Import Ricardo Ratliffe paced the Hotshots with 28 points and 13 boards. The resurgent Allein Maliksi also played a key role in Star's victory, posting 21 markers, including five three-pointers. Mark Barroca also dished out his A-game, finishing with 16 points and nine assists. The Star triumvirate of James Yap, Mark Pingris and Peter June Simon also played well, with Simon scoring 13 points on 4-for-6 shooting, Yap with 12 and Pingris with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds. Import Shawn Taggart led GlobalPort with 37 points and 11 rebounds. Paolo Taha added 16 markers while Joseph Yeo had 14. The Batang Pier continued to miss the services of their top two gunners and playmakers—Terrence Romeo, the PBA's leading scorer, and former No. 1 overall pick Stanley Pringle. Meralco 106, Blackwater 83 The Meralco Bolts dominated the Blackwater Elite for a 106-83 victory as they snapped a two-game losing streak and tightened their grip on the solo top spot in the team standings with their 6-2 win-loss card. Meralco's victory came a day after the Bolts waived off veteran gunner Gary David following a rift with the coaching staff. Bull-strong import Arinze Onuaku once again paced the Bolts with 27 points and 17 boards. Rookie guard Baser Amer showed he could be an offensive threat as he banged in 15 points off the bench, including four three-pointers. Amer's shooting streak allowed the Bolts to pull away as early as the first quarter. Ryan Buenafe added 11 markers. Meralco coach Norman Black emptied his bench, fielding all 14 of his players, 13 of whom scored, with only Rey Guevarra—the player Meralco activated in place of David—ending up scoreless. Blackwater was led by top gunner Carlo Lastimosa who scored 16 points and top playmaker Mike Cortez who added 15. Rookie Art dela Cruz chipped in 10 markers. Import MJ Rhett had a miserable day, failing to convert even a single field goal in seven tries. He still managed to contribute eight points, all on free throws, plus 10 rebounds. Game Saturday: Barangay Ginebra Kings (4-3) vs. Phoenix Fuel Masters (2-4).
