Magnolia hacked out a difficult 77-71 win against Alaska in Game 2 of their best-of-7 PBA Governors' Cup finals at Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

After struggling for most of the game, the Hotshots came up with stops in the fourth quarter and walked away with a 2-0 series lead.

Romeo Travis had 24 big points for Alaska to go with 9 rebounds and 4 steals.

“I didn't play particularly good as late, but it's a great team effort and I’m very happy that we won,” said Travis. “They are a great defensive team, it was a defensive battle.”

Magnolia also go 11 points from Ian Sangalang and 8 from Paul Lee. Jio Jalalon was also splendid in the fourth, scoring 6 of his 7 points in the fourth.

Victolero said his team was surprised by Alaska’s aggressiveness in the first half, but Magnolia made crucial adjustments in the second half.

“Credit to all my players, they stepped up, nadagdagan ang aggressiveness namin in the second half,” he said. “We expect every battle with Alaska to be a tight game.”

After trailing Alaska in the first 3 quarters, Magnolia got a taste of the lead via Lee's step back jumper at the onset of the final period, 66-65.

It became a nip-and-tuck affair since until Jajalon came up with a tough jumper that broke the 71-all deadlock.

The Hotshots then fought off all of the Aces’ attempt and held onto the lead until the final buzzer.

Mike Harris topscored Alaska with 22 markers, with Vic Manuel had 10 points.

The scores:

Magnolia 77 - Travis 24, Sangalang 11, Lee 8, Dela Rosa 7, Reavis 6, Melton 5, Simon 4, Brondial 3, Barroca 2, Herndon 0, Pascual 0.

Alaska 71 - Harris 22, Manuel 10, Banchero 9, Racal 7, Enciso 6, Casio 5, Teng 4, Exciminiano 4, Thoss 2, Cruz 2, Baclao 0, Pascual 0, Galliguez 0.

Quarters: 20-22, 36-41, 61-65, 77-71.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)