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PBA: Former Alaska star sees down the wire finish

MB file photo shows Willie Miller donning the Alaska uniform back in 2010. (MB photo | Ali Vicoy)

by Waylon Galvez

Former two-time PBA Most Valuable Player Willie Miller sees a down-the-wire championship series between Alaska and Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok after witnessing Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup finals.

“I think it’s going to be a close fight,” said Miller who made a surprise appearance Wednesday night as he watched the game with his friends from Olongapo City at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

It was the first time that Miller attended a PBA game since retiring in 2015 following a colorful career. He entered the league in 2001, selected by Red Bull selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the rookie draft.

The 5-foot-11 Miller also played for Talk ’N Text, Alaska, Barako Bull, NorthPort (formerly GlobalPort) and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. In 2015, he was named to the PBA’s 40 Greatest Players.

Alaska went on to win won the game in convincing fashion, 100-71, although Magnolia still leads the best-of-seven championship showdown 2-1.

Miller said that with the way Alaska performed in the game, he wouldn’t be surprised if the Aces win the Game 4 to level the series with import Mike Harris regaining his old form.

Harris averaged 21 points and 11.5 rebounds in the first two games of the series, but unloaded a game-high 36 points, 22 coming in the third quarter, to go with 18 boards in Alaska’s win.

Miller is rooting for an Alaska win because of his previous stint with the franchise.

“I hope they win the title,” said Miller.

Tags: Alaska , Magnolia , Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok , Mike Harris , PBA Governors’ Cup Finals , Willie Miller