We predicted a close finals encounter in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governor’s Cup between the Alaska Aces and the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots. From a 2-2 deadlock in the best-of-seven series, Magnolia regained the driver’s seat last Friday with a narrow 79-78 escape, for a 3-2 edge and a chance to finish the job in Game 6 on Wednesday. The Hotshots actually took the first two games – 100-84 in Game 1, and 77-71 in Game 2 – using a highly efficient and tailor-made defensive scheme that stymied the Aces’ offense. But in Game 3, Alaska got back its groove and made mince meat of the Hotshots’ defense to covet the emphatic 100-71 win. Then in Game 4, the Aces survived a highly defensive contest and staged a strong finishing kick to annex a 90-76 triumph and even the series.