Alab 5 out to square series vs Slingers

Photo taken from Asean Basketball League Facebook page

SINGAPORE—As if facing the in-form Singapore Slingers isn’t tough enough, Alab Pilipinas is also staring at the possibility of missing top scorer Ray Parks Jr. when it tries to stay alive in the 2017 Asean Basketball League in Game 2 of their best-of-three semifinal series on Friday.

Already nursing a hip injury, Parks, the leader in the Most Valuable Player race, limped out of the game in the third period of Game 1 on Sunday after sustaining an ankle sprain at OCBC Arena. The Filipinos ended up losing to the Slingers, 67-77.

“I’m optimistic about it,” Park said of recovering in time for Game 2.

Alab coach Mac Cuan was defiant in defeat.

“I expect us to be ready for Game 2,” said Cuan. “As bad as we played [in Game 1]—we lost Jeric (Fortuna) in the first part of the game and then Ray (Parks) and Law (Domingo)—we were there but we just have to be disciplined defensively.”

Alab allowed Xavier Alexander to find his range and the Singapore import fired 24 points, while former PBA player Josh Urbiztondo led the Slingers’ supporting cast with a solid game.

One thing going for Alab was the entry in the series of two-time UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena, who debuted with 16 points.

“You can’t be satisfied with your performance, especially if you lose,” said Ravena. “But I feel good. I’m tired but I’m slowly getting back in shape and I guess it’s a matter of preparing for Game 2.”