DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/20 March) — Alab Pilipinas finally conquered top-seed Hong Kong Eastern Long Lions in a thrilling final meeting for the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) regular season at the jampacked University of Southeastern Philippines gym on Sunday night, March 19.
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Sampson Carter led Alab Pilipinas with 20 points and added seven rebounds while James Hughes contributed 17 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks as they finally conquered the Long Lions, 82-75 in their fourth meeting.
“When everybody contributes, it makes our jobs easier,” Hughes sad as quoted in the ABL website. “Just as long as everybody is bringing the energy, bringing the fight, it helps everybody across the board,” he added.
Alab Pilipinas, which had jjust clinched the third seed, lost to the Long Lions in their three previous games early this year.
Forward Robby Celiz also helped with 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Long Lions had a slow start but ended the first half with 43-38 lead.
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The home team stepped up its defense in the second half and allowed the visitors with 11 points in the third quarter.
Marcus Elliott led the visitors with 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, and five assists, but needed 28 shots.
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