Alaska evens out PBA Governors Cup Finals with Magnolia; controversy over Barroca’s Banchero punch

However, it was Mark Barroca and Chris Banchero who made the headlines after the game, after replays of the final few minutes show hotshot Barroca throw a punch to opponent Banchero’s groin area as the two were standing at by the free throw line. (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

For the Aces, Mike Harris had another phenomenal game with 34 points, 22 rebounds, and three blocks, while Magnolia Import Romeo Travis led his team with 29 points. Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang also contributed double digits at 14 and 11 points respectively, but it was not enough to gain the advantage in the best-of-seven series.

However, it was Mark Barroca and Chris Banchero who made the headlines after the game, after replays of the final few minutes show hotshot Barroca throw a punch to opponent Banchero’s groin area as the two were standing by the free throw line.

Many were astonished that not a single call was made by the referees, Alaska head coach Alex Compton was upset, telling the media, “If we’re gonna get punched multiple times and there aren’t calls or suspensions, I’ve got a problem,” adding, “That’s literally a low blow. And I’m not happy about it one bit.” He concluded, “If you care about the team, you take a punch and you don’t throw one back. We have multiple players take punches and not throwing back and I’m proud to be part of that team.”

Barroca, who has been playing professionally for the past seven years, defended himself saying, “The game was just heated and they won so we got to bounce back next game,” but also admitted, “We were too physical and in some cases, we were going above what’s allowed.”

The next time the two teams will face each other is on Friday, December 14 also at the Araneta Coliseum.