By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Alaska Aces are just a win away from barging into the finals of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup after escaping with a 104-102 victory in Game Three of their best-of-five semifinals with the Meralco Bolts on Thursday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Following up on their 100-95 win in Game Two on Tuesday, the Aces have seized the series lead from the Bolts and will now have two tries to close things out and advance to the Big Dance of the season-ending PBA tournament.
Game Three was a nip-and-tuck affair throughout and was only decided in the closing seconds with Alaska import Mike Harris providing the key points to preserve the win for his team.
Mr. Harris had a monster double-double of 31 points and 24 rebounds to go along with seven assists.
Guards Simon Enciso and Chris Banchero each had 16 points while big man Noy Baclao added 11 for the Aces, who are hoping to make it to a PBA finals for the first time in seven conferences.
Import Allen Durham, meanwhile, led the Bolts with 37 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.
Reynel Hugnatan had 19 while Chris Newsome finished with 18 points.
Meralco has now lost back-to-back after winning seven straight games previously.
Alaska has a chance to oust Meralco from the race with a win on Saturday, Nov. 17, in Game Four also at the Cuneta Astrodome.

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