PBA fines Barroca R50 K for low blow

Magnolia playmaker escapes suspension on Banchero sneak hit

Game Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 7 p.m. – Alaska vs Magnolia

Series Summary: Game 1 – Magnolia 100, Alaska 84 Game 2 – Magnolia 77, Alaska 71 Game 3 – Alaska 100, Magnolia 71 Game 4 – Alaska 90, Magnolia 76 (Series tied 2-2)

The Alaska Aces could use Mark Barroca's escape from suspension as a rallying point when they seek an all-important 3-2 lead over the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok in Game 5 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Alaska is perhaps determined to claim a third straight win in the 7 p.m. affair after the league slapped Barroca with a R50,000 fine on Thursday for hitting Chris Banchero with a low blow late in the Aces' 9076 victory that turned the championship showdown into a best-of-three.

Aces coach Alex Compton was certainly not pleased with the incident after the game, even describing Magnolia's level of physicality as “dirty basketball.”

Compton's comments cost him an undisclosed fine from PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, though sources reveal that the punishment came after he and Magnolia counterpart Chito Victolero were given stern warnings for expressing detrimental comments to the media.

Tensions could spill over beyond boiling point going into the pivotal match as the two teams look to move a win shy of capturing the final championship at stake in the league's 43rd season.

Adjustments are expected not just from both teams but also from the crew of referees who are under scrutiny for what has been perceived as inconsistent officiating.

The possibility of having tighter calls could set the tempo as Alaska and Magnolia are expected to resume their war of attrition marred by either poor shooting or better defense.

And Alaska seems to have Magnolia all figured out after bouncing back from a 0-2 deficit to win the next two games by an average margin of 21.5 points.

In Game 4, Mike Harris proved his worth as the conference's Best Import by posting 34 points and 20 rebounds even as the Aces forced the Hotshots to make only 32 percent of their shots.

“I think we're now playing the best defense we've played all conference,” said Compton, who is more than ever hungry to finally win his first PBA title on his fifth try.

Victolero, meanwhile, hopes to map out a gambit to solve Alaska's improved play.

But for Magnolia to regain hold on the series, it will need better performances from its local crew after import Romeo Travis was left to carry much of the scoring load in Game 4.

Best Player of the Conference winner Paul Lee, Barroca and Jio Jalalon have struggled for most of the series while Ian Sangalang has been a non-factor after four matches.

Magnolia’s Mark Barroca, right, and Alaska’s Chris Banchero, the main protagonists in an unflattering Game 4 incident, were both summoned by PBA commissioner Willie Marcial. (Rio Leonelle Deluvio)

Magnolia's Paul Lee, 3rd from left, and Alaska’s Mike Harris, hold aloft their plaques as Best Player of the Conference and Best Import during the awards ceremony prior to Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. With the awardees are, from left, Magnolia governor Rene Pardo, GAB commissioner Mar Masanguid, Alaska governor Dickie Bachmann and PBA commissioner Willie Marcial. (Rio Leonelle Deluvio)