Magnolia-Alaska best of 7: Match to watch

MANILA, Philippines — Alaska Milk and Magnolia clash in a titular series starting Dec. 5 in what many feel as a matchup to watch for many good reasons, most especially its similar exciting brand of defensive-oriented, fast-paced hardnosed play.

There’s no single dominant player on both sides, except probably Alaska import Mike Harris.

What both teams are touted for is their relentless pressing defense and sleek running game anchored by their pesky guard rotations.

It could well be a grind-out battle in each game that could lead to a war of attrition ending a few days before Christmas.

Both sides express a burning desire to win during the pre-finals press conference at the Sambokojin restaurant in Eastwood City yesterday.

“It’s a battle between two of the most disciplined teams in the league. It’s likely to be a classic clash,” said Magnolia top official Rene Pardo to best describe the PBA Governors Cup.

The Aces and the Hotshots are the leading defensive teams, and curiously both average 102 points a game. They posted similar 8-3 win-loss records in the elims, and both needed five games to get past the quarters and the semifinals, and set their first title clash in eight years.

“They play the same style of play. They look to have the same strength. They’re pitted against each other in a finale that has all the trimmings of a classic,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

 “I don’t see an advantage for us, but neither I see a disadvantage on our side. Mukhang evenly matched talaga. But we’re positive we can win the championship,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

“I have no idea (on how would the series go), but I expect a great series. About the player matchup, it’s a given that Paul Lee, Jio Jalalon, Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, PJ Simon and Romeo Travis have been playing well. But how they’re playing as a team is the bigger issue,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.