Alab Pilipinas slides against Westsports

ALAB PILIPINAS. Photo from Asean Basketball League Facebook/Kuk Thew

Just when it seemed like Alab Pilipinas was ready to mount a challenge for top spot in the 2017 Asean Basketball League, the Filipino club was once again left undone by a sputtering performance on the road.

Playing its second game in three days, Alab saw its two-game winning run snapped as it yielded a 77-79 decision to the Westsports Malaysia Dragons on Sunday at MABA Stadium.

With the loss, Alab missed out on the opportunity to close in on the Singapore Slingers at second spot (10-4) as the Filipinos dropped to 8-5. Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions remain on top with a 9-2 record.

Dragons import Kiwi Gardner made two free throws off a foul on Jeric Fortuna with two seconds remaining as the Malaysian club survived a late onslaught by the Filipinos, who trailed by as many as 12 points heading into the final period.

Alab was looking for a third straight win against the Malaysians, whom they beat, 87-79, Friday in Bulacan.

Alab went scoreless in the final 2:23 after a dunk by Ray Parks, who turned 24 last Sunday, boosted the Filipinos to a 77-73 lead.