Philippines, 13 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:

  • Manny Pacquiao vs. Rolly Romero in January 2026? Boxing Legend Eyes One More Run at Glory
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • 11 martial arts in BP 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • NM Medina beats Slovak GM, draws with FM Castellano to win the 8th AQ Prime FIDE Standard Open Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • “The Wonder Boy” Carl Jammes Martin Ready to Shine October 29 at the 50th Anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 19: JOE FRAZIER FIGHTS ALI, QUARRY AND ELLIS AGAIN
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Berchelt captures "Reynosa" WBC commemorative belt after triumphant return
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • Supeyia Fights Mamdouh in Brico Santig’s Thailand Show; Elmo Traya and Raymond Yanong Also in Action Oct 25 LIVE on TrillerTV
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • PIJUS LABUTIS MAKES HISTORY WITH MAIDEN MATCHROOM MAJOR TRIUMPH IN HANOI
    , Mon, 13 Oct 2025
  • ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV DEFEATS DAVE ALLEN AND DEMANDS TO FACE AJ NEXT
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Domingo faces Fajardo in Thrilla in Manila 2 Countdown
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Doroma-Aranas 2 on October 13
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FOR FISTS OF FURY 8, TOMORROW NIGHT AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • Alvin Camique Busts the "Mafia" in Tanzania!!!
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • DAY FOUR: NEUHAUSEN, CAPITO, VERGARA AND LABUTIS CHARGE INTO SEMI-FINALS IN HANOI
    , Sun, 12 Oct 2025
  • RED OWL BOXING BOXFEST XVI LIVE ON DAZN RESULTS: DEONTE BROWN DEFEATS GRIMARDI MACHUCA
    , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • SBA Expands Scouting Tour to Discover New Talents for Season 2 Team Expansion
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • Alvin Camigue KOs unbeaten Ibrahin Mafia in Tanzania
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • DARE TO ENTER: ORTIZ VS. LUBIN LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY, GOLDEN BOY ANNOUNCES STACKED PRELIMINARY CARD FEATURING FAN FAVORITES ERIC PRIEST AND ROBIN SAFAR
    , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • Ennis vs. Lima: Boots is Back in Philly
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • Weigh-in Complete: Philadelphia's Jaron Ennis and Uisma Lima Set for WBA Interim World Title Fight
    , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • Ronny Alvarez Training Camp Notes Ahead of Most Valuable Prospects 16 on DAZN
    , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington Featured in Exclusive Global Boxing Network Interview
    , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • SHEFFIELD WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS ALLEN AND MAKHMUDOV FACE-OFF FOR FINAL TME
    , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • Manchester says Goodbye to Ricky Hatton
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 11 Oct 2025
  • DAY THREE: CHUA AND GORST KNOCKED OUT AS BIADO, YAPP AND SHAW MARCH INTO LAST 16
    , Sat, 11 Oct 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.