By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
THEIR best-of-seven Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup finals series now levelled at two games apiece, the Alaska Aces and Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok brace for another intense encounter when they collide in Game Five today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Back to square one after the Aces pulled even in the series with a 90-76 victory in a highly emotional and rough Game Four on Wednesday, the two teams now buckle down in trying to notch the key victory that would put them just a win away from the title of the season-ending PBA tournament.
Game Four was so physical that Alaska coach Alex Compton could not help but vent out his dismay and concern over the roughness in the series going overboard after seeing some of his players sprawled on the court hurt in various instances.
“Somebody punched [import] Mike [Harris] in the testicles and somebody hit Chris Banchero on the male part. Those are literally low blows and I’m not happy about it,” said a fuming mad Compton at the postgame press conference following Game Four.
“At what point will the referees make the calls. I hope it would be in the next game so we can start playing real basketball,” added Mr. Compton.
For his counterpart at Magnolia, Chito Victolero, the issue on physicality is being overblown by their opponents and highlighted that the two teams are just playing hard.
“The players are just playing hard. I don’t see anything wrong with that. We just have to stay tough,” said Mr. Victolero, who saw his team lose the 2-0 cushion it had in the finals after back-to-back losses.
“Let the referees decide the calls. As coaches it’s not our duty to make them,” added the Magnolia coach, whose import Romeo Travis left the game momentarily in the third period in the last game after absorbing a cut on the bridge of his nose.
In Game Four, Alaska showed grit and determination anew to hang on for the win.
Magnolia had early control of the contest only for Alaska to pick it up as the match progressed and never let up thereafter despite serious headways made by the Hotshots.
Mr. Harris, the best import awardee, led the Aces with 34 points and 22 rebounds while Mr. Banchero added 17 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Hotshots, meanwhile, was led by Mr. Travis with 29 points and 13 boards with Paul Lee, the best player of the conference, finishing with 14 points.
Despite losing their series lead, Mr. Victolero said they are nonetheless ready for the coming games.
“We expected a long series. We have to stay ready and positive and play as a group the rest of the way,” he said.
For Mr. Compton, with the Aces gaining momentum after back-to-back wins, they just have to stay the course.
“I’m proud of my players for keeping their composure despite the physicality. We just have to continue keeping our focus and playing our game,” he said.
Game Five of the finals is set for 7 p.m.