MANILA – San Miguel-Alab Pilipinas surrendered to a 100-103 loss to Mono Vampire of Thailand in Game 2 of the ASEAN Basketball League finals at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.
Samuel Deguara led the way with 30 points and 20 rebounds on Wednesday.
Michael Singletary added 26 markers for the Vampire, which recovered from 143-130 overtime loss in Game 1 to tie the best-of-five championship series at 1-1.
Filipinos Jason Brickman and Paul Zamar also proved to be the thorn on the side of Alab. They chipped in 15 and 12 points, respectively, for the Vampire which will host the Games 3 and 4 of the series at Stadium 29 in Bangkok.
“We are thrilled and pleased to come out with a win, especially after the first game. So proud of the team and their resiliency. Alab is such a strong group and every time we made a run, they have an answer,” said Vampire coach Douglas Marty.
After falling behind for most part of the match, Alab was able to seize a slim lead in the fourth quarter on conversions by Renaldo Balkman. Vampire regained the edge at 98-96 on a triple by Singletary but Bobby Ray Parks Jr. tied the score at 98-all for Alab.
A three-point play by the 7-foot-5 Deguara gave Vampire a 101-98 lead. Balkman was able to cut the deficit to 100-101 with an inside hit but Zamar increase the advantage to 103-100 for the Vampire with two free throws.
Alab had a chance to send the match into overtime but Justin Brownlee, who sustained a foot injury in the match, misfired his two wide open three-point attempts in the final seconds of the game.
Balkman finished with double-double 37 points and 12 rebounds. Back-to-back MVP awardee Parks had 21 points and eight boards, while Brownlee finished with 14 markers for Alab./PN
