Alab Pilipinas swingman JR Cawaling reacts after hitting a 3-pointer against the Singapore Slingers. Photo from Asean Basketball League Facebook page
Former Far Eastern U standout JR Cawaling provided the flash of inspiration as Alab Pilipinas rolled to a third straight win at the expense of the Westports Malaysia Dragons, 65-54, Sunday in the Asean Basketball League in the House of Champions in Cyberjaya in Malaysia.
Still mourning the death of his brother, who passed away Saturday, Cawaling fired 11 points, including a dagger triple with 1:42 remaining that gave Alab a double digit advantage heading into the final minute and enabling the Filipino club to improve to 5-2.
Flashing the depth of their squad, the Filipinos stayed unbeaten in 2017 as they stayed in step with leaders Singapore Slingers, who rolled to a 74-62 home victory over the Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions late Sunday.
“I told them that JR could have been with his sick and dying brother but he chose to be professional and be with the team,” said Alab coach Mac Cuan. “I could have also been with my sick baby but I’m with them.”
“All I’m asking for is to make the trip worth it and the sacrifices count. I wanted a statement game and they responded,” added Cuan.
Alab got off to a strong start, but the Filipinos needed a strong finishing kick anchored on Cawaling to sustain their longest winning streak so far this season.
Ray Parks and Sampson Carter finished with nine points each for Alab, which survived a tough shooting night by outrebounding the Dragons, 56-40.
Robby Celiz also had five assists for Alab. —CEDELF P. TUPAS