ABL: SMB bounces back, dumps Bangkok five
Photo from aseanbasketballleague.com
MANILA, Philippines—Rebounding from a road game loss, the San Miguel Beermen regained their groove at home with a 94-59 drubbing of the Bangkok Cobras in the Asean Basketball League Saturday night at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The slam-dunking Doug Thomas provided the early spark before finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds as the Beermen secured solo fourth with a 3-2 record.
Locals Leo Avenido and RJ Rizada, firing 13 markers each, helped the Beermen zoom to a 50-34 halftime lead over the Cobras, who scored an upset last week by dealing Westports Malaysia’s first loss.
Kelvin dela Peña and Dalron Johnson also came through early in the second half , fueling a 15-3 breakaway that gave the Beermen a huge 65-37 spread.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Patriots tangle Sunday with the Cobras at the same Ynares Sports Arena at 6 p.m.
The Patriots go for a third straight triumph with coach Glenn Capacio counting on his local stars to match up well with the Filipino reinforcements of the visiting Cobras.
Both the Patriots and the Dragons, who also have a Filipino mentor in Ariel Vanguardia, share second spot at 3-1.
In Bangkok, the Singapore Slingers (4-1) try to keep hold of the solo lead against defending champion Chang Thailand Slammers (2-3) also at 6 tonight at the Thai Japanese Association Gym.
The scores:
SAN MIGUEL 94—Thomas 14, Avenido 13, Rizada 13, Johnson 12, Dela Peña 12, Cabatu 8, Gonzales 8, Fernandez 6, Fajardo 4, Mangahas 4, Baguion 0, Basco 0.
BANGKOK 59—Cruz 17, Lewis 14, Earl 9, Klahan 6, Wanna 4, Limsuwan 4, Apiromvilachai 2, Chaiwat 2, Kongkum 1, Kruatiwa 0.
Quarters: 24-18, 50-34, 68-46, 94-59
