It was a total of 23 points for Chris Daniels, contributing four of the Aces’ three-pointers, while JVee Casio was also successful beyond the arc, scoring 3-of-5 attempts and totalling 17 points. Recent Player of the Game Jeron Teng added 12 points and 12 rebounds for his team, while Simon Enciso chipped 11 markers. Alaska also welcomed the return of Vic Manuel, who has been out since December 14 due to a back injury. Despite Manuel missing the entire Philippine Cup, he opened his Commissioner’s Cup performance with six points.
The Hotshots were down 28 points at one point, but Ian Sangalang contributed 17 points and nine rebounds. Mark Barroca added 15 points, while import John Fields totalled 12. They now currently stand 0-1 after their first loss of the season. Their opponents, on the other hand, have improved with a 3-2 win-loss standing.
According to Alaska head coach Alex Compton, momentum was on their side, telling the media after their win, “I can tell you we’re fortunate to get Magnolia in this situation. I thought they did a good job in the last Finals, and we caught them tired and lacking in preparations and I know what that’s like,” adding, “We caught [Magnolia] kinda tired and lacking in preparation from the finals and the quick turnaround. You don’t see the team’s best when they are coming off a finals.”
Alaska has another shot at victory on Sunday, June 9 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo against the Meralco Bolts, while Magnolia faces NorthPort Batang Pier at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, June 12.