After two failed attempts, Alab Pilipinas finally scored a victory over Singapore Slingers, 74-72, in the 7th ASEAN Basketball League at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna Friday night.
The victory improves Alab’s record to 4-2 and solidified their grip of the third spot in the team standings. The Slingers, meanwhile, were dealt their second loss of the tourney and are now sporting a 7-2 card.
Ray Parks, Jr. scored 17 points on 6 of 11 from the floor and grabbed nine boards to lead Alab. Lawrence Domingo backed him up by finishing with 14 markers on 7 of 11 shooting to go along with 12 rebounds for a double-double.
Guard Jeric Fortuna, who hit huge triples in the game’s crucial stretch, collected 12 markers and three assists.
Alab opened the final period with a nine-point lead, 55-46, but a 14-4 run anchored by the duo of Wong Wei Long and Xavier Alexander propelled Singapore to its’ first lead of the game, 60-59, with 6:49 to go.
With Singapore starting to heat up, the Filipinos then responded with a 15-4 run of their own, anchored by two Fortuna triples and capped by a three-point play by Parks, to establish a wide 11-point gap, 74-63, in the 3:35 mark.
Singapore made one last push by nailing three straight triples from Fei Wong, Mitchell Folkoff, and Alexander to close in by two, 74-72. They had chances to force an overtime, but a lay-up by Alexander over Alab defenders clanged off the rim, sealing the W for Alab.
Three Slingers led Singapore in tonight’s loss. Alexander had a double-double of 24 points and 10 boards. Wong had 14, while Justin Howard made 13 and 17 for a double-double of his own
Alab will aim to extend their winning streak as they face Westports Malaysia Dragons this Sunday, January 15, 2:30 PM in Malaysia.
The Scores:
Alab Pilipinas (74) – Parks, Jr. 17, Domingo 14, Fortuna 12, Hughes 8, Carter 6, Acuña 6, Celiz 4, Hubalde 3, Gavieres 2, Mendoza 2, Cawaling 0, Knuttel 0.
Singapore Slingers (72) – Alexander 24, Wong 14, Howard 13, Austria 3, Ng 3, Folkoff 3, Kwek 12, Oh 0, Lim 0.
Quarterscores: 17-10, 37-27, 55-48, 74-72.
