SAN Miguel Alab Pilipinas coach Jimmy Alapag lauded the play of Oping Sumalinog as the team continues to get signifiant contributions from their bench behind their six-game win run in the Asean Basketball League.
Averaging just 2.5 points this ABL season, Sumalinog played 12 minutes in the game, but finished with eight points, including a triple before the third quarter buzzer that gave Alab a 68-60 lead against Mono Vampire on Wednesday at the Baliuag Star Arena.
The 6-foot-2 cager also had a pair of rebounds to go along with his points, as he shot 3-of-6 from the field.
Alapag singled out Sumalinog for the giving Alab some quality minutes off the bench, saying that he has been aching to give the former PBA D-League cager playing time.
“Oping Sumalinog was huge for us,” said Alapag. “He is a guy who has been tough trying to find minutes for him. But he comes in everyday, does his work, and does his job,” the Alab coach said.
“He gave a huge lift for us,” Alapag added.
Sumalinog’s effort during games and practices has been a reflection of Alab’s attitude over the past few months.
On Wednesday, Alab outscored Mono Vampire in bench points, 18-12, with Lawrence Domingo and Pamboy Raymundo also contributing on offense.
“Collectively, as a team, the guys come in everyday more focused and ready to work. I keep telling them, we are now reaping the benefits of the work that we put in even before the season started,” said Alapag.
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