ALASKA got the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals back to square one on Wednesday night after beating Magnolia, 90-76, in an ill-tempered and highly physical Game Four at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
After two deflating losses to start the best-of-seven series, the Aces are right back in it at 2-2 thanks to Mike Harris, who finished with 34 points, 22 rebounds, and three blocks after being awarded the Best Import honor.
Game Four was also marked by a physical battle between Chris Banchero and Mark Barroca that took a turn for the worse after Barroca appeared to hit Banchero with a closed fist at the groin area in the closing minutes.
Magnolia import Romeo Travis also suffered a cut on the bridge of his nose in the third quarter.
The story of the win, though, was Harris.
The Alaska import scored the first six points in a 10-0 run that enabled the Aces to take a 39-29 lead late in the second quarter. Alaska then closed the third with a 15-6 blast for a 63-50 lead, just after Magnolia came to within four points.
“I thought our defense was great again,” said Compton. “There are ways that they can beat us and stuff, but I think it’s really tough to get good shots for either team actually. Magnolia has been playing their best basketball. But I think our defense was great."
Banchero had 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists for the Aces.
Romeo Travis had 29 points and 13 rebounds, while Paul Lee had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Hotshots.
The scores:
Alaska 90 – Harris 34, Banchero 17, Pascual 9, Racal 8, Teng 7, Galliguez 5, Manuel 4, Baclao 3, Cruz 3, Enciso 0, Exciminiano 0, Casio 0.
Magnolia 76 – Travis 29, Lee 14, Sangalang 11, Barroca 8, Jalalon 7, Reavis 4, Brondial 2, Melton 1, Herndon 0, Dela Rosa 0.
Quarters: 19-22; 42-32; 63-50; 90-76.
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