War of Attrition Aces, Hotshots eye 3-2 lead

It turns out to be an expensive “cheap shot.”

But it well underscores the rugged, physical showdown that marks the title series between Alaska Milk and Magnolia now reduced to a best-of-three.

The PBA Governors Cup finale has turned to be a war of attrition, as expected, with the two teams now on equal footing following the Hotshots’ 2-0 start then the Aces’ own back-to-back wins in Games Three and Four. The Aces, however, will now have the momentum and the psychological edge on their side and the Hotshots reeling from shattering losses in the last two games as they dispute the 3-2 series lead at 7 p.m. tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

And the two squads are expected to continue their virtual slugfest after Magnolia guard Mark Barroca’s deliberate punch to Chris Banchero’s groin at the height of their highly physical matchup in Game Four.

For that uncalled for act, Barroca was meted a heavy P50,000 fine plus a warning of automatic suspension in case he commits a flagrant foul in the next games.

He was spared of suspension as his cheap shot on Banchero escaped the eyes of the referees, and was only caught on video.

“There’s a precedence in this case. Last June, Don Trollano was caught on video punching Arwind Santos. It escaped the refs, but he was fined P20,000,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial. “Barroca was levied a bigger fine since this is the finals, and he hit a fellow player on a sensitive part.”

Meanwhile, Alaska coach Alex Compton was fined P20,000 for continuing to discuss officiating with the media and not with the technical committee.

Compton was hoping the PBA to issue sanctions so that the two teams can start playing right basketball.

“Kung makulit sila, makulit din kami. Okay lang kung kulitan lang. But they went overboard. It’s too much and I don’t think it’s right,” said Compton.

In tying the series Wednesday, Alaska import Mike Harris said he likes even more now their chance to win the championship.

NOTES: NLEX and Phoenix Petroleum have agreed on a trade deal where the Road Warriors are to give away Alex Mallari and Dave Marcelo in exchange for the Fuel Masters’ 2018 first round draft pick and 2019 second round draft choice.