Magnolia takes Game 1

Game Tomorrow (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 7 p.m. – Alaska vs Magnolia (Magnolia leads series 1-0)

By

Magnolia delivered a resounding opening act in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals as import Romeo Travis and Mark Barroca played the lead roles in frustrating Alaska, 100-84, last night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Travis produced 29 points on 13of-24 shots while adding 13 rebounds and five assists while Barroca put up a decisive stretch of baskets and defensive plays for 16 points and six steals as the Hotshots gave the Aces a tough night to gain a headstart in the best-of-seven series.

The Hotshots also got solid showing from Jio Jalalon who had seven points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and four steals to set the tempo for the series that finally unfolded after almost three weeks of respite due to the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

Coach Chito Victolero and his wards go for a 2-0 lead tomorrow night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the Aces looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing return to the championship series.

“This is a long way to go and we have to keep pushing,” said Victolero.

Alaska fell behind 15-0 at the start, forcing coach Alex Compton multiple times to plot a comeback.

Magnolia had every answer to Alaska’s rallies with the trio of Travis, Barroca and Jalalon, together with Ian Sangalang and Paul Lee, leading the charge.

Sangalang’s basket gave Magnolia an 82-61 lead, two minutes into the fourth. But struggling Alaska import Mike Harris capped off a 15-2 run to trim the Aces’ defict to 84-76 with 4:23 remaining.

That only set the stage for Barroca to deny the Aces from closing in any further. His layup ended the Magnolia drought before he knocked down a corner three off a Jalalon steal to make it 89-76 in a span of 45 seconds.

Barroca also forced an Alaska turnover to set up a Lee layup in transition for 91-76, 3:32 to go.

Harris was held to just 20 points and 15 rebounds, Chris Banchero could only produce 12 points on 4-of10 shooting while committing six turnovers that spelled doom for the Aces.

– Travis 29, Barroca 16, Lee 14, Sangalang 10, Herndon 9, Melton 7, Reavis 4, Simon 4, Brondial 0, Dela Rosa 0, Pascual 0, Mendoza 0.

– Harris 20, Banchero 12, Teng 10, Enciso 9, Casio 7, Racal 6, Manuel 6, Pascual 5, Thoss 3, Galliguez 3, Cruz 3, Baclao 0, Exciminiano 0, Andrada 0.

24-14; 52-40; 77-58; 100-84.