Brownlee misses flight, leaving Alab way off target

It wasn’t the start that San Miguel Alab Pilipinas had in mind when it reacquired celebrated import Justin Brownlee.

What was supposed to be a welcome party turned out to be a dud as Brownlee missed his flight to Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, forcing him to sit out the game against the KL Dragons in the Asean Basketball League (ABL).

Playing with only two reinforcements in Nick King and Sam Deguara, Alab bowed to the Dragons, 92-80, for its sixth loss of the season at Maba Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

“Justin will only be joining us in Manila, so this game gives the other guys the chance to step up,” Alab coach Jimmy Alapag said.

Unfortunately for Alab, only Jordan Heading got going with 26 points. Deguara only finished with four points, the same output as Jason Brickman. King had 28 points, but 17 of them came in the fourth quarter when the outcome was already settled.

In contrast, KL imports Will Artino, Cade Davis and Amir Bell combined for 66 points.