Alaska narrows Magnolia’s series lead with Game Three rout

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Alaska Aces finally broke through the win column in their best-of-seven Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup finals series with the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, taking Game Three, 100-71, on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Dropped the first two games of the finals of the season-ending PBA tournament, the Aces arrested their skid in Game Three, using a strong effort in the middle quarters to pull away and cut the Hotshots’ series lead.
Magnolia took early command of the match, holding a 22-16 lead by the end of the first quarter.
After that, however, Alaska would cascade down on the Hotshots big time, outscoring the latter, 67-28, in the next two quarters to carry a commanding 83-50 lead heading into the final frame.
With the game pretty much settled, the Aces spent the rest of the fourth quarter holding down any attempt by the Hotshots to rally back, something they would have success in as they cruised to the victory.
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.
For Magnolia it was Romeo Travis who topscored with 16 points, followed by Mark Barroca with 13 points.
Game Four of the PBA Governors’ Cup finals series is on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.