Hotshots cruise past Aces for 9th win in 10 outings

Mike Harris tormented his former team by leading Magnolia to an easy 118-91 victory over Alaska, Sunday in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 38-year old Harris, who suited up for the Aces and even led the Wlifred Uytengsu-owned franchise to the finals of the 2018 edition of the same conference, tallied 38 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals and a block in only 28 minutes of action as the Hotshots picked up their 9th win against a single defeat.

The Aces, who held a jersey retirement ceremony for Sonny Thoss during halftime, trailed by as much as 31 points on the way to their 5th loss in 11 outings and a tie for 6th place with Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel in the team standings.

“In the pre-game, sinabi ko lang sa kanila na there is no such thing as no-bearing (game),” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero during the post-game presser. “Our attitude, our mindset, and our system is the most important game is kung ano ‘yung lalaruin.”

“We tried to focus on the game at hand. We will try to get the momentum that we want going to the playoffs,” he added.

Ian Sangalang led the Hotshots’ local charge with 14 points while Jio Jalalon and Jackson Corpuz chipped in 12 markers apiece.

RK Ilagan paced the Aces with 14 points while Maverick Ahanmisi and import Olu Ashaolu contributed 12 points each. Rookie Allyn Bulanadi added 11 markers in 19 minutes of play.

Magnolia will take on the winless Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday, March 9 for its final elimination round game

The scores:

Magnolia 118 – Harris 38, Sangalang 14, Jalalon 12, Corpuz 12, Lee 8, Escoto 8, Barroca 7, Wong 7, Reavis 4, De Leon 3, Dionisio 3, Dela Rosa 2, Brill 0, Ahanmisi 0, Capobres 0.

Alaska 91 – Ilagan 14, Ahanmisi 12, Ashaolu 12, Bulanadi 11, Taha 8, Stockton 7, Teng 6, Tratter 6, DiGregorio 5, Tolomia 4, Faundo 4, Marcelino 2, Adamos 0, Publico 0, Racal 0.

Quarterscores: 37-18, 61-45, 87-67, 31-24.