By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
THE best-of-seven Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup finals series between the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok and Alaska Aces hits a critical juncture today with Game Four at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Magnolia currently leads the series, 2-1, and is looking to notch another victory to move one step closer to the title of the season-ending PBA conference while Alaska is out to build on their breakthrough win in Game Three and add another win in their 7 p.m. encounter to reduce the series to a best-of-three affair.
The Hotshots found the going tough in Game Three after taking the first two games of the series.
They were blitzed by the Aces in the middle quarters of said game and never recovered from it en route to the 100-71 defeat.
Magnolia took early command of the match, holding a 22-16 lead by the end of the first quarter.
After that, however, it was all downhill for the team, outscored by Alaska, 67-28, in the next two quarters, signalling the end of the contest as early as the end of the third frame.
Import Romeo Travis and guard Mark Barroca led the Hotshots with 16 and 13 points, respectively, in the losing cause.
Following the loss, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said they have to make the necessary adjustments in Game Four even as he called on the referees to be consistent with their calls.
“We hope to have more consistency from the referees. Calls that go against us should also be called against Alaska,” said Mr. Victolero following Game Three.
LEVEL THE SERIES
On the part of Alaska, its mission order today is build on its big win previously to level the series.
The Aces played far better in Game Three with contributions coming from different directions.
Import Mike Harris led the way for Alaska in the victory with 36 points and 18 rebounds.
Vic Manuel and Carl Bryan Cruz came off the bench to chip in 14 and 10 points, respectively, while Simon Enciso had 12 markers.
“The overall story of the game was that we made a bunch of shots in the first three quarters. We didn’t commit many turnovers and we played defense with great intensity,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton following their breakthrough victory.
“I’m glad that we won, but we’re still down at this point,” added the Alaska coach, who is seeking to win his first PBA title with the team.
DRAFT COMBINE
Meanwhile, the two-day PBA Rookie Draft Combine opens today at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong where the 48 rookie hopefuls get to showcase their skills and abilities for team scouts to see.
Leading the rookie class this season are CJ Perez, Bobby Ray Parks and Robert Bolick, who are seen going in the first three picks.
Joining them are Paul Desiderio, Bong Quinto, Abu Tratter, Michael Calisaan, JP Calvo, Diego Dario, Teytey Teodoro, Javee Mocon, Trevis Jackson, and Carlos Isit, among others.
During the draft combine the hopefuls will undergo a series of tests on the court as part of the procedure in the lead-up to the actual draft happening on Dec. 16 at the Robinsons Place Manila.