Alapag seeks quick turnaround as SMB-Alab eyes sweep of Wolf Warriors

Photo from ASEAN Basketball League

San Miguel Alab Pilipinas seeks a season sweep of the Wolf Warriors on Sunday night when the Filipino club hosts the Chinese squad in Asean Basketball League Season 9 at Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

With 7-foot-3 center PJ Ramos returning from sick bay and delivering a triple-double, Alab walloped Wolf Warriors, 105-79, on Friday night at Doumen Gymnasium in Zhuhai, China, for their 14th win of the season.

“It’s a quick turnaround and we just have to make sure the team has enough legs for battle on Sunday after this road trip,” said Alab coach Jimmy Alapag, who went 1-1 in their latest road trip that included an 83-88 loss to Hong Kong Eastern.

With Ramos back after missing the game against Hong Kong due to food poisoning, Alab outscored the Warriors, 69-40, in the middle quarters to take the fight away from the home team.

It was Alab’s third win in as many games against the Warriors, who remain as the league’s worst team with a 2-16 record.

Ramos finished with 15 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists as the Warriors couldn’t find an answer to his strong play on both ends of the floor.

Renaldo Balkman had 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Brandon Rosser chipped in 10 points for Alab.