MANILA – San Miguel-Alab Pilipinas had a triumphant home debut in the 2019-2020 ASEAN Basketball League. It defeated Singapore Slingers, 90-83, on Sunday night at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.
Khalif Wyatt waxed hot with five triples in the fourth quarter. He finished with 28 markers as the Alab Pilipinas notched its second straight victory to improve to 2-1 win-loss record.
Trailing 65-55 with over eight minutes left, Wyatt ignited the Philippines’ 16-2 scoring run with his outside conversions. They grabbed a 71-67 lead with 4:40 remaining in the match.
Singapore’s Marcus Elliott tied the game at 74-all in the last 3:11, but the Filipinos responded with a 12-5 blast, capped off by a Jordan Heading layup with 28 seconds left for an 86-79 edge.
Sam Deguara bucked early foul trouble and churned out 12 points, 11 boards, and two blocks in his Alab debut.
Nick King added 10 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, while Heading produced 10.
Jason Brickman contributed nine points, 11 dimes, and three boards for the Philippine squad, which will continue their homestand tonight against the unbeaten Mono Vampire (3-0) at the San Juan Arena.
Xavier Alexander led Singapore with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, as bruising center Anthony McClain had 25 points, 12 boards, and five blocks in the Slingers’ season opener./PN
