The Alaska Aces is scheduled for a best-of-seven finals Game 2 against the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok at 7:00 P.M. on December 7, 2018 live from the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Related:
- Alaska vs Magnolia Game 6
- Alaska vs Magnolia Game 5
- Alaska vs Magnolia Game 4
- Alaska vs Magnolia Game 3
- Alaska vs Magnolia Game 1
The Aces are looking to tie the Finals series to 1-1 while the Hotshots wanted a commanding 2-0 lead and keep the championship game momentum in their end.
It seems like that the long break didn’t favored to Alaska’s side as they got lambasted by Magnolia.
In the opening quarter, the Hotshots didn’t wasted time and immediately took over as they orchestrated a 15-0 run. Magnolia hold on that lead until the final buzzer has sounded.
One area that Aces import Mike Harris sees why they got beaten in Game 1 is the inexperience of several of his teammates playing in a PBA championship game.
“It’s a learning experience for us and it helps,” Harris said. “A lot of these guys haven’t been in the Finals. Good thing it’s first to four, not first to one.”
Not only that they’re not shooting well from the field, coach Alex Compton’s squad also committed 25 turnovers.
“We missed a lot of outside shots and we missed a lot of free throws,” said Harris. “And the last series (against Meralco) we didn’t miss a lot of free throws. Had we made a few more free throws, who knows it could have been a different game.”
Back in their semi-finals game against the Meralco Bolts, Alaska also lost in Game 1 then won three straight. This is what Harris also trying to repeat.
“It kinda looks like the Meralco thing all over again,” said Harris.
“We came out lackadaisical and they punched us in the mouth. Good thing it’s not a one-game series. They punched us, but the best thing about getting punched is if that you’re strong enough, you’ll get up.”