Alab thumps Thais to end five-year title slump
For five years, Southeast Asia may have forgotten who the best basketball country in the region is. Last night, San Miguel Alab Pilipinas made them remember.
Drawing strength from the import duo of Renaldo Balkman and Justin Brownlee, San Miguel Alab Pilipinas overpowered Mono Vampire, 102-92, to reclaim the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) title before a full house crowd at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex here.
Balkman and Brownlee took turns in delivering the crucial blows as the Philippines finally brought down a stubborn Thailand side, which pushed the former to the limit despite coming in as the underdog, to seal a 3-2 series triumph and the title.
Alab also ended a five-year title-drought as they clinched the country its third title after topping the maiden season eight years ago as the Phl Patriots and winning another one in 2013 as the San Miguel Beermen.
Most importantly, the Filipinos fittingly reclaimed basketball supremacy in the region that they have dominated since the sport was introduced.
Balkman chalked up 32 points and nine rebounds while Brownlee came an assist short of a triple-double before finishing with 24 points, 12 boards and nine dimes to help seal it.
Alab took a commanding 25-point lead, 81-56, late in the third quarter that was capped by a throw down by Balkman.
It was all Alab from there.—
Philstar.com