Governors say ‘Play On’

MANILA, Philippines — Magnolia governor Rene Pardo and Alaska governor Dickie Bachmann said playing the way their teams should in executing on both ends is the priority as they part ways from a 2-2 series in Game 5 of the PBA Governors Cup best-of-seven Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

“Honestly, it’s easy to get caught up with what they’re doing,” said Bachmann, referring to the tactics dished out in Game 4 last Wednesday, including Mark Barroca’s closed-fist swing at Chris Banchero’s crown jewels with the Hotshots guard’s back turned. “We’ll focus on how we can improve next game, play right and honor the game.”

Pardo brushed off Alaska’s rants about “dirty play” and said from the onset, he knew it was destined to be a physical, grueling, grind-out series. “It might go to a Game 7 because Alaska can’t win four in a row,” he said. “Magnolia and Alaska are the two most disciplined teams in the league.  They’re disciplined in executing their plays, offensively and defensively. Are we playing dirty? I don’t think so. We’re playing as physical as they are. Actually, we play the same way, we press, we trap, we’re physical. We were blown out in Games 3 and 4 so we should be complaining, not them. The referees are allowing a level of physicality that goes with this being a championship series.”

Bachmann said after Magnolia raced to a 2-0 series lead, the Aces never gave up the fight. “I’m proud of every single player in the team,” he said. “All of them have been working hard with Mike (Harris) and the coaching and medical staff to improve their game.  They finally had a chance to show everyone it’s about ‘We Not Me.’”

Bachmann paid tribute to Alaska’s relievers who’ve stepped up to play key roles in the Aces’ turnaround from 0-2 to even the count at 2-2. He didn’t mention anyone by name but clearly, Carl Bryan Cruz, Abel Galliguez and Jake Pascual have delivered quality minutes in Alaska’s wins in Games 3 and 4. Pascual, in particular, has been a revelation.  Before the Finals, he averaged 2.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 7.9 minutes in 10 games. But since Aces coach Alex Compton started Pascual in Game 3 of the Finals, Alaska hasn’t lost. Pascual is now averaging 4.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 17:04 minutes in four Finals contests. 

Pardo said in Game 4, Romeo Travis’ exit with a deep cut on the bridge of his nose in the third quarter was a difference-maker. Travis left the floor with Alaska on top, 48-44, time down to 5:58 in the period. He returned with the Aces ahead, 57-50, time down to 1:18 in the same quarter. Alaska hit two triples to end the third, 63-50.

“I don’t know who caused the cut but there was no call,” he said. “It was a deep cut, like a boxer’s cut. I thought with Travis out, the complexion of the game changed. I told the doctors not to risk anything and we’d be prepared to play without Travis and rest him for the next game. But Travis is a real warrior. He wanted to play. I remember in that Game 4 against Ginebra in the semifinals, Travis underwent PRP that morning. We were getting a standby replacement in case he couldn’t play but Travis told us it’s okay, he’ll play, no need for a standby. So he went out and scored 50 points.”

Pardo said Cruz’ defense on Travis deserves a second look. “Travis told me he’s been all over the world playing basketball but there’s no defender like Cruz because he hits him in every part of his body,” he said. “I called the referees’ attention on Cruz, to watch his low blows, all the things he does. I reminded Travis never to retaliate because we can’t afford an ejection. I think Travis is playing even better than when he won the Best Import award with Alaska in 2015. Coach Alex (Compton) knew then that Travis had a serious knee issue but still played out the Finals which Alaska lost in four straight to San Miguel Beer.”