After relying on their imports for the majority of their first four games, the locals stepped up for this one.
Behind an all-around game by Ethan Alvelo and lights out-shooting courtesy of Josh Urbiztondo, San Miguel Alab Pilipinas completely had their way against the struggling Zhuhai Wolf Warriors, 105-95, Sunday evening at the Hoopsdome in Lapu-lapu City, Cebu.
Alvelo, a Filipino-American point guard, scattered 21 points, seven assists, and four steals. Urbiztondo, who has been with Alab for two years, fired six triples for 19 points.
As a team, Alab knocked down 16 triples to hand Zhuhai their ninth loss in 10 tries.
After a close opening frame, San Miguel Alab broke away in the second frame, highlighted by a rare four-point play by Urbiztondo to give the Philippine-side a 36-24 lead.
Alab would lead by as much as 28 points, much to the delight of the Cebuano crowd.
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Renaldo Balkman led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds, while two-time Local MVP Bobby Ray Parks Jr. chipped in 12 markers.
Mike Bell tallied a double-double for Zhuhai with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Chen Cai had 20 markers as well.
Former NBA pro Eddy Curry, who drew cheers from the crowd, added 14 points and eight rebounds.
Alab will head to Malaysia on January 9 to take on the Westsports Malaysia Dragons.
The Scores:
San Miguel Alab 105 – Balkman 21, Alvano 21, Urbiztondo 19, Parks 12, Tiongson 8, Javelona 7, Domingo 0, Rivero 0, Rosser 0, Torres 0.
Zhuhai 95 – Bell 20, Cai 20, Taylor 19, Shentu 15, Curry 14, Leung 4, Yan 3, Tse 0, Li 0, Sun 0, Liu 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 59-42, 86-67, 105-95.
