HK club ends SMB-Alab’s 7-game run

HONGKONG—San Miguel Beer-Alab Pilipinas’ seven-game winning streak came to an end on Wednesday night, but there was no hint of disappointment from coach Jimmy Alapag after the shorthanded Filipino club dropped an 88-83 decision on the road against Hong Kong Eastern in the Asean Basketball League Season 9.

Playing without 7-foot-3 center PJ Ramos, who went down due to food poisoning before the game at Southorn Stadium, Alab struggled to contain 7-foot-5 Sam Deguara and 6-foot-11 Mike Holyfield as Eastern finally beat Alab for the first time in four games this season.

“I was really really pleased with the effort,” said Alapag, whose team remains on top of the league with an 11-3 record. “In the end, we gave ourselves a chance. I thought we fouled a little bit too much and it’s tough. They put a lot of pressure on Balkman and all the other guys to fight for rebounds.”

Deguara had a season-high 31 rebounds to go with 18 points, while Holyfield, who replaced the injured OD Bassett in the lineup, added 19 boards to his 20 points.

Even with Renaldo Balkman as its only reinforcement, Alab kept the game close up until the end and even led 77-71 on a three from Ray Parks who finished with 29 points.