Magnolia topples Alaska, clinches PBA Govs’ Cup title

Magnolia Hotshots’ Romeo Travis wards the defense of Alaska Aces’ Joachim Thoss in Game 6 of the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup finals on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. PBA

MANILA – The glory days of Magnolia Hotshots are back.

The Hotshots ended four years of championship futility with a 102-86 victory over the Alaska Aces in Game 6 of the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup finals last night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Romeo Travis led the way with 32 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, Ian Sangalang added 16 markers, while Paul Lee and Andy Mark Barroca had 16 and 13 points, respectively, for the Hotshots.

It was the first PBA championship of the Hotshots since completing a Grand Slam under then head coach Tim Cone in 2014. As a franchise, it was Magnolia’s 15th PBA title.

The Hotshots surged to a 12-0 start with hits from Travis. The Aces rallied to within six on back-to-back treys but the Hotshots pulled away anew at 32-18 with baskets from Robbie Herndon and Jio Jalalon.

In the second period, the Aces rallied to as close as 37-44 but the Hotshots countered with another rally for a 60-42 halftime lead on triples by Lee, Barroca, Travis and Rome dela Rosa.

The Aces attempted to come close in the third period and was able to cut the deficit to 13 markers but the Hotshots leaned on consecutive points from Travis to increase the lead back to 80-63.

Magnolia went on to build its largest lead at 85-65 on a triple by Lee. Alaska made its last push at 79-91 but the Hotshots sealed the coronation with late hits from Barroca and Travis.

Mike Harris finished with double-double 26 points and 24 rebounds, while Chris Banchero and Jeron Teng added 20 and 14 markers, respectively, for the Aces./PN

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