Alab Pilipinas face a hostile crowd for the first time
December 18 is a day Alab Pilipinas has encircled on their calendars. Not only is it their road debut but it is also the day they can exact revenge on the Singapore Slingers, a team that spoiled their ABL debut 66-71.
Since that loss, Alab has picked-up two straight wins, both against fellow ABL neophytes Kaohsiung Truth. And head head coach Mac Cuan feels that this is the best time for them to face the Slingers.
“It’s good,” he remarked about the timing of their second match-up against Singapore.
“We’re in a two-game winning streak and we’ll be facing Singapore. They gave us our first loss and we’ve been waiting to get back at them.”
Leading the charge for the Philippine-based club teams is Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. The second-generation cager recently exploded for 41 points on just 20 shot attempts during Alab’s 93-87 win over Kaohsiung. Cuan though is hoping that his team won’t heavily rely on Parks in their next outing.
“That’s a given. Bobby Ray is Bobby Ray but I’m more concerned now how we play as a team,” the rookie head coach said.
Filipino-American Lawrence Domingo has been an excellent complementary piece to Parks, posting norms of 11.5 points and 4.0 rebounds. However, Cuan is looking at his reinforcements, Lee Seungjun and Lee Dongjun, to perform above their averages.
“So far, they’re doing their job. Their giving us what we need and we’ll continue to work together,” he remarked about the Korean brothers.
The brothers though will have their hands full defending the twin tower combination of Justin Howard and Xavier Alexander.
Singapore is looking to bounce back from their first loss while Alab is trying to avenge their defeat at home.
Alab Pilipinas will have its first road game of the season when they visit the Singapore Slingers this Sunday, December 18, 4:00PM at the OCBC Arena.
