Philippines, 03 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Magnolia's defense did the trick in Game 2


PhilBoxing.com


Alaska looked to have recovered from the Aces lethargic Game 1 loss to Magnolia hotshots in the on-going best-of-seven series for the PBA Governors? Cup.

And the ghost, too, of the Aces and coach Alex Compton?s past four finals appearances that produced nothing but big flag eggs for the Wilfred Uytengsu-owned franchise.

In Game 2 on Friday, Alaska came out firing and moved five minutes shy of tying the gold medal playoff only to run out of steam down the stretch amidst Magnolia?s stonewall-like defensive pressure, losing 71-77 and falling to a 0-2 hole they themselves dug in.

Alaska came out with its typically balanced attack to take control for three quarters and-a-half before the Hotshots tightened the screw late in the payoff period.

Even the Aces? import Mike Harris, a former NBA player, has struggled to find ways to solve the riddle.

The prolific import, front runner for the best import award, said he was forced to be a facilitator for most of the match. He was limited to single field goal in the fourth period after pouring in 18 points in the first 36 minutes.

Harris had nothing but praise for the Hotshots after Friday's 77-71 Game 2 loss.

"They challenge me a lot more on the court than most teams had done this year. They really forced me to move the ball and focus in passing," Harris said.

Alaska committed turnover after turnover while Jio Jalalon, a part of the Hotshots? dreaded and confusing three-guard or sometimes four-guard rotation, responded with clutch baskets, including a glass-aided shot from the left wing to give Magnolia a 73-71 edge with 2:40 remaining.

Jalalon's basket turned out to be one of only two field goals in the last 6:32. He would return to the foul line a little over two minutes later to can a pair of free throws before Rafi Reavis soared with an emphatic slam that sealed the game to send the Magnolia bench and the half-filled Araneta Coliseum crowd celebrating.

Only a pair of Aces scored in the decisive fourth quarter with Simo Enciso making Alaska?s last field goal with 6:32 left to play to put Alaska up 69-68. It was the last time Alaska would lead.

The Hotshots? paralyzing defense forced the Aces to committing 26 turnovers, eight in the fourth.

As to what led to the Aces' back-to-back losses in the title series, Compton pointed out to two factors - turnovers and free throws.

"Getting 25, 26 turnovers. I think that's the prime story of the first two games of the series," Compton rued. "If we turn the ball over 26 times, that's just huge," added the Alaska coach, who nonetheless credited Magnolia for living up to its billing as the league's top defensive team.

Alaska was only given 11 foul shots, converting eight of them. In contrast, Magnolia was awarded 18 freebies and made half of them.

The Alaska mentor felt Magnolia's guards are getting leeways from the game officials. "I've not yet once publicly complained about officiating, but those guys fouled a lot. And they don't get a call for it."

"I'm all for good defense, and I know those guys are great defenders. But a foul is a foul," he said during the post-game press conference.. "If you're karate chopping, pushing somebody, or you're leaving your foot so you'll trip a ball handler, it's a foul. And it's a big part of the game, and for whatever reason, they (referees) didn't want to call it.?

"Credit Magnolia?a defense ... But I think if we could have taken care of the basketball, it would have been a better game," Compton said.

Compton and Harris remained confident, though, they still have time to find the solution to Magnolia's defense.

"All we need to do is win one. It changes the whole thing," Harris said. We can't get down on ourselves. I'm not down on myself. I've been in this before so I like the situation."

Despite the sad scenario, Compton is not about to wave the white flag yet. "If this is a three-game series, it's over. But I don't think this is over yet."

Alaska is in its fifth finals appearance under Compton, although it lost the first four including the 2016 Philippine Cup where the Aces blew a 3-0 lead against San Miguel.

But instead of looking back, the Alaska coach vowed to prepare the Aces better, starting on Sunday's Game 3 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

"I tell you though, we're gonna keep on going and keep on going. We're gonna battle," said the Alaska coach. "So they (Aces) be ready for tomorrow (Sunday). They better be ready to work.?


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Lorenzo Parra Vs Elijah Pierce and Jimuel Pacquiao Pro Debut Featured in Manny Pacquiao Promotions Nov. 29 Inaugural Event at Pechanga Resort Casino
    , Fri, 03 Oct 2025
  • Villar and Astuvilca Make Weight for Title Rematch at All Star Boxing: Seneca Fight Night
    , Fri, 03 Oct 2025
  • Allan Villanueva vs. Jyl Wright Headlines Peter Maniatis Event in Melbourne Oct. 3
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BUSTAMANTE AND JONES NAMED CAPTAINS FOR REYES CUP 2025
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Mike Tyson Joins BoltBetz as Strategic Investor and Promotional Partner to Usher in a New Era of Cashless Gaming
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BOXING LEGEND MANNY PACQUIAO LAUNCHES “MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS” IN THE UNITED STATES
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • BOOTS HUNTING THE BIG FISH AT 154LBS
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • IBA Unveils Historic 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships as Part of a Spectacular Two-Week ‘Festival of Boxing’ in Dubai with Unprecedented $8 Million Prize Pool
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Final Bell for 2025 USA Boxing National Open Event National Open Event Concludes with 1,870 Registered Participants in Tulsa, Oklahoma
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 15: JOE FRAZIER’S PROFESSIONAL CAREER
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • World Boxing relocates Congress 2025 to Rome
    , Thu, 02 Oct 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Behind the WBC Boxing Grand Prix
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • JOHANN CHUA BEGINS TITLE DEFENCE AGAINST IVICA PUTNIK AS DRAW CONFIRMED FOR 2025 HANOI OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • CUBAN FUTURE CHAMPIONS YOENLI HERNANDEZ, ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI & GUSTAVO TRUJILLO HEADLINE ‘FISTS OF FURY 8’
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • USA Boxing Finishes Canada Duel Undefeated
    , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • Dana White Seeks to Make Significant Changes in the World Boxing
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 01 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 29 September 2025: Ferreira Retains IBF 135 Belt by Outpointing Moneo; Clavel Dethrones IBF 105 Champ Cudos
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Canelo Alvarez Facing Extended Layoff After Crawford Loss; Surgery Confirms Injury Rumors
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Dante Stone is last American standing in Inaugural WBC Grand Prix
    , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Age Defying Triumph: At Age 50 Toshihiko Era Wins World Title
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • TKO and Zuffa Boxing sign streaming agreement with Paramount
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • Boxing Ephemera, Pacquiao’s Mouthguard, and the Meaning of It All
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Tue, 30 Sep 2025
  • A turning point for global sport: IBA President Umar Kremlev and Donald Trump Jr join forces
    , Mon, 29 Sep 2025
  • Rosia captures PBF super fly title
    , Mon, 29 Sep 2025
  • Tancontians starred 2025 Sports Heroes Night
    , Mon, 29 Sep 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.