Alab Pilipinas still ice-cold in ASEAN hoop

Filipino word “alab” means to inflame or kindle. But for Tanduay Alab Pilipinas, they’re doing the exact opposite.

The Filipinos continued to set things ablaze, crumbled late and fell to defending champion Hong Kong Eastern, 96-99, for their third straight defeat in the ASEAN Basketball League at the Southorn Stadium, Hong Kong Wednesday night.

It was also Alab’s second defeat to the reigning titlists after absorbing an 89-92 setback in their first duel on Nov. 19 right at its home turf at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

And once again, it was Fil-German Christian Standhardinger, this year’s top PBA rookie pick, who dealt his countrymen one of the biggest blows with a monster 25 points including a pair of painful dagger three-pointers in the fourth quarter and topped his effort with 12 rebounds and four assists.

Thai-Am Tyler Lamb exploded with a careerhigh 32 points highlighted with five booming triples to help Standhardinger sealed Alab’s doom.

Like in their first showdown, Hong Kong waited in bated breath as Alab, trailing by three points with 11 seconds to go, had a chance to knot the count and force overtime but Josh Urbiztondo missed a wide open three-point attempt.

It was a classic case of different venues but same results.

And again, Alab couldn’t live up to its name.

The defeat further sent the Filipinos at the bottom of this nine-time league and would need to shake things up for them to climb out of the rut.

In contrast, Hong Kong zoomed to the solo lead with a pristine 5-0 (win-loss) record.

Alab will have a chance to nail its very first win as it visits the Formosa Dreamers at the Changhua Stadium, in Changhua City, Chinese Taipei tomorrow.—