Pao Javelona and JR Alabanza, partly covered by Lawrence Domingo, took over for Alab along with Pamboy Raymundo. Glenn Tan/ABL |
By Ivan Saldajeno
STA. ROSA, Laguna--Every time Alab plays in the ABL, an explosion from world imports Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman and star local Ray-Ray Parks is expected.
However, on Palm Sunday, the Alab "Big 3" let their teammates finish the job as the team rolled past CLS, 101-63, in their final regular season game at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.
After just 25 minutes of play, Parks, who had 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting, sat out the rest of the game and witnessed how Pamboy Raymundo and Pao Javelona continued their fine showing.
"It feels great to cheer and see those guys," Parks said after the game. "Pamboy put on a show. Javelona did great in shooting the ball."
He also lauded JR Alabanza for stepping up especially with Balkman still nursing an ankle injury he suffered during their last meeting in Baliwag and Rico Maierhofer hurting his knee in the second quarter of their Sunday night match.
"JR has played a big part," Parks continued. "It gives us more versatility to put Balk at the four."
He then remarked, "It's good to see their confidence growing.... It's great to see their growth."
The big game from Javelona, Raymundo, and Alabanza will be greatly needed when Alab continues its title chase in the ABL playoffs that will start next week.
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