MANILA, Philippines—The odds are certainly stacked against Alaska after falling 2-0 in its seven-game series against Magnolia in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Aces absorbed a 77-71 loss against the Hotshots in a game they could’ve held on to win, but the final buzzer sounded on them and import Mike Harris knows the only thing they can do is move on.
Harris knows the situation they’re in but the Aces can’t afford to be embroiled in any negativity.
“You take it one game at a time, so you know our job is to come back, refocus tomorrow and be ready for Game 3,” said Harris. “All we need to do is win one and that changes the whole thing.”
“We can’t get down on ourselves, I’m not down on myself. I’ve been in this situation before so I like the situation, this is a precious situation.”
Alaska was in control for most of the game and headed into the fourth quarter with a 65-61 lead but it went into a pitiful shooting performance going 2-of-20 from the field the whole final period.
The Hotshots, who shot 5-of-13 from the field, outscored the Aces 16-6.
“It all comes down to execution and that’s exactly what I expected coming into this, they (Magnolia) are a great team, they’re a great defensive team,” said Harris, who put up 22 points and 12 rebounds but turned the ball over seven times.
“They challenge me a lot more on the court than most teams had done this year and they really forced me to move the ball and focus on passing so I really like that it’s a challenge I’m ready to take.”