Ex-Painter has 14; four 3s for Ramos.
Paul Lee put one over two-time MVP James Yap and his former team in Rain or Shine last night.
Traded to Star Hotshots in a mega one-on-one trade with Yap – Star’s former franchise player – Lee came through a crucial three-point and set up Aldrech Ramos for two game-changing threes as the Hotshots completed a come-from-behind 99-91 win over the Painters in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Yap appeared headed for a big win in his first match with his former team after pushing RoS to an 88-84 lead with a split of his charities with still 4:50 left in the game.
But the Painters suddenly went cold just like the weather outside the Big Dome.
In contrast, the Hotshots went on a scoring spree with Lee highlighting the breakaway with a booming three-point shot.
The former Rookie of the Year winner finished with 14 points aside from issuing four assists while Yap managed only 9 points on a disappointing 3-of-9 shooting from the field.
The win was Star’s third straight since dropping its first two games – the same output of the Painters, who played sans the aggressiveness and sharpness they displayed in beating Blackwater, 107-93, the last time.
Heroes came in all sizes for the Star Hotshots.
Rookie guard Jio Jalalon had his moment of fame and so was veteran forward Marc Pingris who made a defensive gem on RoS center Raymond Almazan.
In the second game, Alaska defeated Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 101-86, for its third straight win.
Scores:
First Game
STAR 99 – Simon 16, Jalalon 14, Lee 14, Ramos 12, Maliksi 11, Pingris 11, Melton 6, Sangalang 6, Dela Rosa 5, Barroca 4, Reavis 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 91 – Almazan 19, Washington 14, Tolomia 11, Norwood 10, Yap 9, Ponferada 8, Ahanmisi 7, Belga 6, Cruz 5, Chan 2.
Quarters: 23-23, 42-41, 74-75, 99-91.
Second Game:
ALASKA 101 – Jazul 16, Abueva 12, Banchero 10, Manuel 10, Exciminiano 8, Cruz 7, Casio 7, Racal 7, Dela Cruz 6, Mendoza 6, Pascual 6, Hontiveros 4, Magat 2, Galliguez 0,
GINEBRA 86 – Ferrer 19, Aguilar 12, Devance 12, Mercado 8, Thompson 8, Marcelo 7, Cruz 7, Taha 6, Mariano 5, Ellis 2, Caguioa 0, Jamito 0, Tenorio 0.
Quarters: 27-15, 59-44, 89-60, 101-86