The Manila Times

Alaska’s Banchero braces for ‘physical’ finals

- JOSEF T. RAMOS PBA MEDIA BUREAU PHOTO

ALASKA’S Chris Banchero is predicting a physical game against Magnolia in Game 1 of the

Basketball Associatio­n Governors’ Cup on December 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“It is going to be fun to watch and they are tough but both these teams are here for a reason. We got really good locals and they really got a good import,” Banchero told reporters in an interview after Alaska’s 99-92 win over Meralco in Game 4 of their semis series on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Magnolia’s backcourt players Paul Lee, Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca impressed Banchero as the Hotshots defeated Ginebra 3-1 in the

“Some of the best guards on both sides in the league are here for reasons. Both teams are really hungry. It is going to be physical for sure. Magnolia is just as tough physically—Barroca is a physical guard, and Jalalon—and they are all physical and tough, and so are we.”

The Aces lost 92-97 to Meralco in Game 1 on November 11 but came back with a three-game

This will be Alaska’s eighth entry into Gover-

“We’re happy to go to the championsh­ip, but the job was only never get into the championsh­ip. The job is to get a ring and that’s what we are going to do,”

Meanwhile, Alaska coach Alex Compton said they would take a two-day off before returning to practice in preparatio­n for their showdown with Magnolia.

 ??  ?? Alaska’s Chris Banchero drives on Meralco’s Nico Salva in Game 4 of their semis series in Season 43 PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Alaska’s Chris Banchero drives on Meralco’s Nico Salva in Game 4 of their semis series in Season 43 PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

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