Alab Pilipinas oust Hong Kong, reach ABL final

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Alab Pilipinas stormed to the finals of the Asean Basketball League Sunday evening by dethroning Hong Kong Eastern, 79-72, before a boisterous crowd at the Sta. Rosa Complex in Laguna.

It’s the first time since 2013 that a Philippine team is in the ABL finals, following two title wins in 2010 and 2013 and runner-up finishes in 2011 and 2012.

Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman, a pair of imports with colorful stints in the PBA, provided the firepower expected of them as Alab Pilipinas swept HK Eastern in the semis, 2-0.

They combined for 43 points and 22 rebounds, and drew the needed support from the locals led by Ray Parks, Pamboy Raymundo, Paolo Javelona and Lawrence Domingo, who played like his life was at stake.

“I’m just really grateful for having a great group of guys,” said Alab head coach Jimmy Alapag.   

“As a player, confidence is such a valuable part. That’s one thing I try to encourage my guys. As we progress in the season, we will need everybody,” he added.

Alab Pilipinas will be waiting in the wings as No. 1 team Chong Son Kung Fu of China tries to stay alive against Mono Vampire of Thailand.

Mono Vampire stunned Chong Sun in the series opener, 104-93, in Nanhai, and will try to seal a finals showdown with Alab tomorrow evening in Bangkok.

Hong Kong Eastern, winner of last year’s crown over the Singapore Slingers, could not deliver this time, losing at home a few nights ago, and then before an energetic Pinoy crowd.