MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Alab Pilipinas stays unbeaten in 8 games as the national squad demolished Formosa Dreamers Taiwan in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL), 117-93, on Sunday,February 18, 2018 at Sta. Rosa City Complex in Laguna.
Prior to the game, Dreamers import Cameron Forte admitted that he will be playing under the weather. But his illness, won’t stop him in upsetting the third-seeded Alab Pilipinas.
Forte, together with his heritage import, Ronnie Aguilar, started hot right after the opening tip off. But, it only took Alab 5 minutes to overtake Formosa spearheaded by Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman.
Alab’s heritage import, Lawrence Domingo also chipped in some significant numbers as Team Pilipinas closed the 1st quarter in high spirits, 28-19.
Formosa Dreamers bounced back in the 2nd period. The Forte-Aguilar duo provided spark to the Taiwanese team to get closer to Alab. In one play, Ronnie Aguilar posterized Lawrence Domingo and one.
Despite the slow start, Alab recovered and hit the double-digit lead anew. Li Chia Ching of Formosa Dreamers helped Philippines build its lead easily as he consumed his personal fouls at the 2-minute warning of the 1st half.
Renaldo Balkman beat the quarter buzzer with a lay-up to add a deuce to Alab Pilipinas’ advantage, 52-38.
The Dreamers surprised Alab with a quick 7-points as they began the 3rd period. In shock, Coach Jimmy Alapag requested for a timeout to cool down Formosa.
Coach Alapag’s timeout seemed ineffective as the Dreamers managed to trim the lead even bigger. Formosa brought the once double-figured lead to just 2-possesion ball game with over 5 minutes remaining in the quarter.
Again, Alab needed only few minutes to recuperate from its sloppiness. Led by Justin Brownlee and Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Philippines escalated its lead and ended the third with a 13-point, 79-66 margin.
It was a total slug fest as both teams began the 4th and final quarter. Both squads traded baskets. The only problem was, Alab had the advantage over Formosa.
Philippines hit the century mark 101-84 with 5 more minute left in the game clock with Justin Brownlee’s triple.
Coach Jimmy Alapag rested his star players with over 4 minutes remaining and fielded in his third unit to protect their 20-point lead. Alab reserves wrapped-up the game with 117-93 lopsided win.
With the win, Alab Pilipinas improved its record to 11-4 with 8 straight victories and stays at the 3rd place. On the other hand, Formosa Dreamers suffered its 12 straight loss and virtually bows out of the playoffs.
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
 |
| Justin Brownlee’s 27 points and 13 rebounds helped Alab Pilipinas won its 8 straight win against the hapless Formosa Dreamers. Photo Courtesy: ASEAN Sports |
Prior to the game, Dreamers import Cameron Forte admitted that he will be playing under the weather. But his illness, won’t stop him in upsetting the third-seeded Alab Pilipinas.
Forte, together with his heritage import, Ronnie Aguilar, started hot right after the opening tip off. But, it only took Alab 5 minutes to overtake Formosa spearheaded by Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman.
Alab’s heritage import, Lawrence Domingo also chipped in some significant numbers as Team Pilipinas closed the 1st quarter in high spirits, 28-19.
Formosa Dreamers bounced back in the 2nd period. The Forte-Aguilar duo provided spark to the Taiwanese team to get closer to Alab. In one play, Ronnie Aguilar posterized Lawrence Domingo and one.
Despite the slow start, Alab recovered and hit the double-digit lead anew. Li Chia Ching of Formosa Dreamers helped Philippines build its lead easily as he consumed his personal fouls at the 2-minute warning of the 1st half.
Renaldo Balkman beat the quarter buzzer with a lay-up to add a deuce to Alab Pilipinas’ advantage, 52-38.
The Dreamers surprised Alab with a quick 7-points as they began the 3rd period. In shock, Coach Jimmy Alapag requested for a timeout to cool down Formosa.
Coach Alapag’s timeout seemed ineffective as the Dreamers managed to trim the lead even bigger. Formosa brought the once double-figured lead to just 2-possesion ball game with over 5 minutes remaining in the quarter.
Again, Alab needed only few minutes to recuperate from its sloppiness. Led by Justin Brownlee and Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Philippines escalated its lead and ended the third with a 13-point, 79-66 margin.
It was a total slug fest as both teams began the 4th and final quarter. Both squads traded baskets. The only problem was, Alab had the advantage over Formosa.
Philippines hit the century mark 101-84 with 5 more minute left in the game clock with Justin Brownlee’s triple.
Coach Jimmy Alapag rested his star players with over 4 minutes remaining and fielded in his third unit to protect their 20-point lead. Alab reserves wrapped-up the game with 117-93 lopsided win.
With the win, Alab Pilipinas improved its record to 11-4 with 8 straight victories and stays at the 3rd place. On the other hand, Formosa Dreamers suffered its 12 straight loss and virtually bows out of the playoffs.
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
