The stage is set for Alaska and Magnolia as the two storied franchises go all out to reclaim glory at the start of their best-of-seven championship tilt in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
Game 1 of the Finals is scheduled at 7 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City today as the Aces and the Hotshots both seek a nice jumpstart.
Evenly matched on paper and on the floor, both camps expect no less than fireworks as a tough series lies ahead.
“It’s always tough playing Magnolia. We’re expecting nothing but a grind-out series ahead against these guys,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton. “I have high respect for them (Hotshots), but I believe in my team.”
“It will be a battle of execution. Both teams are capable of winning,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. “We are positive that we have the ability to get the championship.”
The import match-up between Magnolia’s Romeo Travis and Alaska’s Mike Harris, the leading candidates for the Best Import Award, is expected to be a titanic clash, similar to the teams’ backcourt battle.
The prolific Magnolia trio of Paul Lee, Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon are to go up against Alaska’s Chris Banchero, Simon Enciso and Jvee Casio.
Upfront is likewise an interesting bout as top power forward Vic Manuel and Ian Sangalang are bound to gut it out down low.
Both protagonists took the similar path on their way to the finals as they dislodged the two finalists from last season.
Alaska and Magnolia both took their semifinal duels in four games, with the Hotshots dethroning powerhouse Barangay Ginebra and the Aces eliminating Meralco to set-up their encounter at the big stage.