by Jonas Terrado
Game Today (Sta. Rosa, Laguna)
8 p.m. – Alab Pilipinas vs Mono Vampire
(Series tied 2-2)
Series Summary:
Game 1: Alab Pilipinas 143, Mono Vampire 130, OT
Game 2: Mono Vampire 103, Alab Pilipinas 100
Game 3: Alab Pilipinas 99, Mono Vampire 93
Game 4: Mono Vampire 88, Alab Pilipinas 83
Alab forward Ray Parks Jr. drives against Mono Vampire Fil-American guard Jason Brickman during Game of their ABL Finals which the Thai club won, 88-83. (ABL images)
Denied in its first chance of becoming the third ABL champion from the Philippines two days earlier with an 88-83 loss in nearby Nonthaburi, Alab looks to pass the final challenge of a season that began with disappointments and savor the thrill of victory in front of its home fans in the game set at 8 p.m.
Alab immediately boarded a flight back to Manila after a dismal Game 4 showing that saw them commit 26 turnovers and import Renaldo Balkman dealing with foul trouble, things that coach Jimmy Alapag and company can correct this time.
“It’s a very good team we’re playing against, can’t give that many opportunities,” said Alapag. “I thought, defensively, we did great – held them to 88 points. But when you give them 24 off your turnovers, it’s tough to win.”
Ray Parks Jr. seconded his coach’s sentiments, but is taking a positive approach after getting one road win in Game 3 and playing a decisive fifth game in the friendly confines of the Sta. Rosa venue.
“We came (to Thailand) to get a split, we got the job done,” Parks said. “It’s just about having to get the championship at home.”