Nov 27, 2018

Coaches agree Magnolia-Alaska Finals is a tough call

Like almost everybody else, PBA coaches themselves see the PBA Governors Cup Finals between the Magnolia Hotshots and the Alaska Milk Aces as a tough call.

"It's a toss-up. The two teams are almost even, tingin ko walang nakakalamang," said national coach Yeng Guiao.

Guiao and most of the PBA coaches foresee a grind-out battle in each game and a long series that may well reach the full distance.

"I will not be surprised if all the games go down to the wire, and I expect a Game Seven that would make the PBA fans very happy," said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.

"Strength and weaknesses almost even. Kung sino ang less turnovers at mas marami ang offensive rebounds, siya ang mananalo," said Phoenix Petroleum coach Louie Alas.

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The Hotshots and the Aces are now about to step up their buildup for the series opener on Dec. 5 at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

For Magnolia, center/forward Ian Sangalang has begged off from the national pool so that he can concentrate on his therapy for his injury and be at possible best form for the best-of-seven series.

"I can understand his case," said Guiao.

The national mentor feels Magnolia has the slight edge in frontcourt with Ian Sangalang, Rafi Reavis, Rodney Brondial, Aldrech Ramos and Kyle Pascual, but Alaska has the advantage in the backcourt because of the defensive pressure puts up by Chris Banchero, Jvee Casio, Ping Exciminiano and Simon Enciso.

"Tingin ko tabla lang sa import. Mataas ang average ni Mike Harris pero tingin ko kaya ni Romeo Travis umiskor kung gugustuhin. He just defers to his teammates. He's more effective in sharing the ball with his teammates," said Guiao.

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Austria, meanwhile, feels Magnolia has the advantage in manpower but Alaska can compensate on whatever disadvantage it has on its tried and tested system.

"We all know Alaska's system. They just keep on improving every conference with it," said Austria.

The SMB bench chieftain, however, thinks Magnolia is dangerous with the fact that anybody from its core group can explode at any time.

"Sa Alaska, medyo predictable kung sino ang pupuntos. Sa Magnolia, maraming pwedeng pumutok like Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon, Ian Sangalang and even PJ Simon," said Austria.

And he also acknowledges the capability of the Hotshots to play tough defense.

"Na-stop nga nila si Justin Brownlee (in the Magnolia-Ginebra semis series). So I think they can also find a way to stop Mike Harris," Austria pointed out.

But putting all factors together, Guiao and Austria insist it's a tough call.