ALAB Pilipinas shoots for a big win when it faces league-leading Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions on Friday night in the Asean Basketball League at the Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
The match is set at 8 p.m.
Coming off a loss against cellar-dweller Westports Malaysia Dragons on Sunday, Alab looks to bounce back against a team holding a league-best 13-2 win-loss record and currently on an eight-game win streak.
Alab Pilipinas head coach Mac Cuan is still fuming over their performance in a 101-91 overtime loss to the Dragons last Sunday in front of their home fans at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex.
“I told them, if you think you can beat Hong Kong with that kind of energy and effort, you are kidding yourself especially with how Hong Kong is playing well,” said Cuan.
Friday’s match is actually the first of three straight matches of Alab against Hong Kong, with the Philippine side taking on the Long Lions again on Sunday in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Alab and Hong Kong meet for a third time on March 19 at the Almendras Gym in Davao City.
Hong Kong boasts of solid imports led by former NBA player Josh Boone and Marcus Elliot, who was recently named Player of the Week by the league.
Bobby Ray Parks Jr., Robby Celiz, Val Acuna, and imports Sampson Carter are expected to work doubly hard against Hong Kong, while James Hughes looks to bounce back after scoring just four points against the Dragons.
Alab will still play without Kiefer Ravena, who is still recovering from an injured right hand.