Singapore 4th February 2018
Singapore Slingers go down to a determined Alab Pilipinas team 82-69 in Singapore.
The Slingers started the game against Alab Pilipinas well enough playing solid defense and running the floor with the local team in control for most of the 1st period, a few late quarter defensive lapses allowed Alab some open 3’s which they converted to keep the Slingers led to just 3 points 20-17 at 1/4 time.
The second quarter was more of the same with the Slingers jumping out to an 11 point lead at one stage on the back of their defense but as in the first quarter the Slingers switched off defensively and Alab would take full advantage and close the 2nd period down just 1 point 38-37 at the half.
The 3rd quarter saw a determined and more physical Alab team take control of the game. The Slingers struggle to contain any penetration and Alab import Renaldo Balkman had his way inside against the Slingers big’s in the period. Alab’s outside shooters started knocking down open 3’s and Alab took a 66-54 lead into the final quarter.
The Slingers failed to cope with the physical pressure Alab put on them and with a big Filipino contingent packing OCBC Arena the visitors were buoyed on by their supporters. At times it was hard to figure out which team was the home team.
The Slingers were again their own worse enemy as they continued to struggle at the FT line (16/28) and failed to compete for the full 40 minutes. Alab pulled away to what would be a commanding 12 point lead by the end of the 3rd.
The Slingers were able to make a run midway through the 4th pulling the lead down to just 6 points but an Alab team who simply seemed to want the win more dominated the last 3 minutes to surge away for a well deserve 82-69 victory on the road.
Slingers import Xavier Alexander pretty much played a lone hand in keeping the Slingers in the game finishing with 32pts, 7rebs & 2 assists.
Alab who are currently on a 5 game win streak pushed their record to 9-4 while the Slingers record sits at
7-7.
The Slingers will be back in action next Sunday at OCBC Arena when they will face the Formosa Dreamers from Taiwan.
SINGAPORE SLINGERS vs FORMOSA DREAMERS (Taiwan)
Sunday 11th February
OCBC Arena Singapore
4:00pm
