ALASKA is looking to bag its 15th title in its final campaign in the PBA that has been dubbed as the ‘Alasdance.’
The good news is that the quest for a championship in the Governors' Cup could get a major boost — a win in its final elimination round game on Sunday will give the Aces a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
The bad news is that Alaska will be facing the top team in the league in Magnolia in its 4 p.m. encounter at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces will get the twice-to-beat regardless of which team will end up in a tie with them at the end of the eliminations due to a superior quotient, having beaten Meralco by one, and San Miguel by five, and losing by four against TNT.
Alaska hasn’t grabbed a quarterfinal incentive since the 2018 Governors’ Cup when Mike Harris led the Aces to a third-place finish at the end of the elimination round, and settling for a runner-up finish against Magnolia in the finals.
Mike Harris has led Magnolia to eight wins in nine games.
This time though, Harris is on the other side of the fence and will stand in Alaska’s way as Magnolia’s reinforcement with the Hotshots still looking to improve on their 8-1 win-loss record despite clinching a twice-to-beat advantage.
Harris said it will be all business as he tries to lift the Hotshots but can’t help but remember the fond memories he had with the organization.
“It’s one of those things. Your heart goes out to them. They have such a winning tradition. They take pride in being very honorable and their love and their fight for the game, with their community, and everything. It’s truly a great club. I had no complaints when I was there. They are first class all the way,” said Harris.
The Magnolia veteran noted the danger of facing a team with a chip on its shoulder, adding that he is impressed with the way RK Ilagan has been playing for Alaska.
“It is kinda one of those thing that it fuels the team. It drives them as well because this is our last dance, we have to leave it all out there. They have an added incentive because when you leave, you want to leave on top. That fire has fueled them this last few games.”
“I really like the young guy who hit the game winner,” said Harris, referring to Ilagan. “I can tell throughout the game. Some of his moves and stuff with his size, he is very crafty. I love his game. He is going to be a guy in this league who will be tough to stop.”
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