Despite facing a hostile crowd inside the Stadium 29 in Bangkok, Thailand, Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. and San Miguel Alab Pilipinas were able to hold off the Mono Vampire, taking a 99-93 Game Three victory, Saturday evening.
The reigning, two-time Local Most Valuable Player uncorked 30 big points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
“Y’all been grinding me about not playing in a lot of championships. Once I’m here, I’m just gonna take the opportunity,” said the second-generation cager.
Alab’s two-headed beast of Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman also had a huge hand in the pivotal victory. Brownlee finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while Balkman added 24 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists. Moreover, they were able to limit Sam Deguara to just 19 points and 14 rebounds after he finished with 30 points and 20 rebounds in Game Two.
“I’ve said a lot this season but I’m just really proud of these guys,” beamed head coach Jimmy Alapag. “They’ve been a resilient group throughout and tonight was just another opportunity to show that. Justin wasn’t a hundred percent. I really don’t have explanation to describe what type of player and person he is.”
The two proved pivotal during the third frame that saw Alab take a 75-67 lead entering the final frame.
“Second half, we just started to play our game. We focus on defense. It’s a high-scoring team, very talented great camaraderie, at the end of the day, we were just able to pick each other up,” reflected Parks.
Mono clawed back from an 11-point deficit in the final frame, slicing the lead to just three, 93-90. Needing a bucket, Alab went to Parks, who drained a jumper over Paul Zamar to ice the game.
Parks’ 30-point output is the most points scored by a local in the Finals.
Filipino export Zamar had 16 points, six assists, and six rebounds, while Jason Brickman added 11 points and 12 assists.
Mike Singletary paced Mono with 29 points.
Alab can clinch the country’s third-ever ABL crown on Monday, April 30, in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Scores:
San Miguel Alab 99 – Parks Jr. 30, Brownlee 27, Balkman 24, Raymundo 5, Urbiztondo 5, Domingo 4, Hontiveros 2, Javelona 2, Alabanza 0
Mono 93 – Singletary 29, Deguara 19, Zamar 16, Brickman 11, Chanthachon 10, Apiromvilaichai 8, Klahan 0, Phuangla 0, Sunthonsiri 0
Quarterscores: 22-20, 48-50, 75-67, 99-93
