Following their resounding 104-78 victory over the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel last March 3, hopes were high for the Alaska Aces to carry over that momentum versus the Magnolia Hotshots six days later.
But that didn’t happen.
Alaska lost, 86-103, to the team that beat them in the 2018 Governors’ Cup Finals.
“We got handled,” lamented Aces head coach Alex Compton.
The outspoken coach admitted that it was the Hotshots’ defense that made it a long night for them, with the guard triumvirate of Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon, and Justin Melton – plus center Rafi Reavis – giving them problems.
“They made it a hard time for us.
“We had a hard time running the… Mark, Jio, Justin, Rafi, with his length, really did a great job forcing us of having a hard time on anything. Those four guys were their defensive catalysts,” he said.
Magnolia’s defense forced Alaska to commit 21 turnovers – eight coming from Chris Banchero – which the opposition converted to 21 points. And Compton clearly wasn’t happy with the way his wards took care of the ball.
“They forced a bunch of turnovers,” he rued.
The Aces gave themselves a chance in the game when they fought back from 19 down and knocked within eight, 76-84, with seven minutes to go. However, the Hotshots responded with eight straight points to restore order.
“I kind of expect it. You need to have high standards. I kinda expect us to feel that we were getting a little embarrassed. I was angry and you expect us to make a play – at least I do. Some plays to cut the lead down,” said Compton of their run.
“But it’s a good team. They did a good job. They handled it – they handled our run. That was it. You can’t dig yourself a hole … and expect against a team like that, ‘oh, we’re just going to come back.’ That’s not how it works.”
The Aces have fallen to 3-3, and they will have a chance to bounce back against a struggling NLEX on Wednesday. But even if the Road Warriors are in a funk, Compton refuses to be confident in their chances.
“Relief against the national team coach coming off playing San Miguel? I feel no relief whatsoever. Did I feel relief playing Magnolia that they’re 1-4? No. It’s exactly the opposite. Everybody has toughness, everybody’s a competitor in this league,” he opined.
“And when teams are down, that’s when they’re particularly dangerous,” Compton warned. “Magnolia showed that tonight. I have zero complacencies against NLEX. I have a high level of respect.
“That’s going to be a battle.”
