MANILA – Alaska Aces finally got their offense and defense going as they dealt Magnolia Hotshots a 100-71 beating in Game 3 of their 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup best-of-seven Finals series Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Mike Harris unloaded 36 points to go along with 18 rebounds before sitting out the entire fourth quarter to lead the way for the Aces, which trimmed the series deficit 1-2.
Vic Manuel and Simon Enciso also provided double-digit scoring with 14 and 12 points, respectively, which Carl Bryan Cruz made the most of his rare stint on the floor to finish with 10 points.
The Aces opened the match with a 16-11 advantage on inside conversions from Travis but the Hotshots countered with their own rally to take a 22-16 edge on a triple by Rome dela Rosa.
Alaska regained the lead 32-26 on outside hits by Cruz and Banchero. The Aces went on to increase their advantage 50-33 with triples from Enciso and inside hits from Banchero and Harris.
But early in the third quarter the Aces struggled with their offense, allowing Magnolia to come to within 39-50. Alaska upped the lead anew 57-41 after a triple by Abel Gallinguez and inside shots by Harris.
Magnolia’s last stand was 43-57 before the Aces pulled away for good with Harris waxing hot from outside and inside for a 36-point lead, their largest in the game.
Romeo Travis and Andy Mark Barroca finished with 18 and 13 points, respectively, for the Hotshots. Paul Lee and Jio Jalalon struggled heavily, winding up with just 2 points each./PN
