Balkman, Brownlee lead Alab past CLS Knights for 7th straight win

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

San Miguel Alab Pilipinas leaned on Renaldo Balkman and Justin Brownlee anew to escape CLS Knights, 80-73, Sunday for their 7th straight win in the 2018 ASEAN Basketball League at GOR CLS Kertajaya in Indonesia.

Balkman, the Puerto Rican reinforcement, scored seven of the Philippine side’s last nine points, punctuating the victory with a thunderous slam in the last minute as Alab improved its standing to 10-4.

Balkman exploded for 36 points on top of 10 rebounds and three blocks while Brownlee had a near triple-double effort with 16 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists to keep Alab in third place.

Bobby Ray Parks Jr. provided local support with 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists in a game where the Filipinos’ starters did much of the heavy lifting.

Brian Williams carried CLS with 24 points, 17 rebounds, and three assists, but his efforts weren’t enough to halt the Knights from falling to 3-10.

Shane Edwards added 17 markers and five boards, while Mario Wuysang had 13 points, six assists, and three rebounds in the defeat.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL ALAB PILIPINAS 80 — Balkman 26, Parks 17, Brownlee 16, Domingo 8, Urbiztondo 3, Alabanza 0, Celiz 0, Hontiveros 0, Javelona 0, Raymundo 0, Sumalinog 0.

CLS KNIGHTS 73 — Williams 24, Edwards 17, Wuysang 13, Jensen 12, Lish 5, Enguio 2, Hidayat 0, Kurniawan 0, Nugroho 0.

Quarters: 25-19, 47-43, 59-60, 80-73.