
The Star Hotshots is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Blackwater Elite at 4:30 P.M. on July 23, 2017 live from Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elite will try to bounce-back after losing to Meralco Bolts in their opening match while the Hotshots will start its campaign in this year’s PBA Governor’s Cup after failing short on moving to championship game in the last two conferences.
During the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup and after acquiring Mac Belo via the league’s special draft, Blackwater seems have found an identity and the missing piece to its winning formula.
Coach Leo Isaac squad even battled Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a knockout-game in the first conference for the last playoff slot.
However, Mac Belo and Art dela Cruz went injured during the Commissioner’s Cup and the team’s fortune went back to its losing track.
Star Hotshots bench chieftain Chito Victolero still not showing any complacency ahead of their 4:30 game schedule.
PBA Live Streaming: Star vs Blackwater (July 23, 2017)
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“We know naman the capability of each team and Blackwater can spring a surprise like it has done in the past,” said Victolero, whose side could not go past the semifinals in their first two conferences together.
“Kaya I keep reminding the players na hindi p’wedeng i-let down namin ang guard namin. We should always be on our toes against a very dangerous team like Blackwater na ngayon may extra motivation pa to bounce back from their loss.”
Star will miss the services of Jio Jalalon who is still in Taiwan as a Gilas Pilipinas member for the 2017 William Jones Cup. Also, Marc Pingris is still out due to an injury.