Hotshots overpowers Aces for Finals Game 1 of 2018 PBA Governor’s Cup

Barroca was considered the one who salvaged their team in the final stretch, scoring five straight points to catch up to the Aces, who were leading as much as 21 points during the game. (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

The Magnolia Hotshots proved prepared to succeed in the finals against Alaska, as they went home with the win in the Game 1 of the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup finals at the Mall of Asia Arena last Wednesday, December 5. The score ended at 100-84.

The league had to come to a two-week halt to pave way for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, but the Hotshots did not show any sign of difficulty coming off that break as Romeo Travis had a double-double at 29 points and 13 rebounds, while teammate Mark Barroca had 16 points and six steals. Barroca was considered the one who salvaged their team in the final stretch, scoring five straight points to catch up to the Aces, that were leading as much as 21 points during the game. For Alaska, Mike Harris performed exceptionally as well with 20 points and 15 rebounds, but his performance lacked in the third quarter to keep his team up.

Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero is “happy to win Game One,” but isn’t overcompensating, stating that “this is only the start.” Victolero shared, “After tonight, we need to prepare hard. Our mindset is do-or-die,” adding in a mix of English and Filipino, “There’s a long way to go. We shouldn’t relax. We need to push because it’s a best-of-seven series. We’ve only got one.”

In retrospect, Alaska head coach Alex Compton believes that they “gave an 85 percent effort and Magnolia gave a 100 percent effort,” telling his players, “We just can’t figure out how our energy can be that way.” Vic Manuel, one of the Aces’ main men who was unable to play due to flu agreed, believing that their opponents “dictated the tempo from the start” and “that was the turning point.” However, he guaranteed, “We’re going all out on Friday. We can’t start flat again next game. Our energy must be there from start to finish.”

Game 2 between Magnolia and Alaska for the 2018 PBA Governor’s Cup is on Friday, December 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.