Brownlee, Balkman power Alab

MANILA, Philippines —  Imports Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman bucked jetlag and buckled down to work, combining for 46 points to power Tanduay Alab Pilipinas to a 90-79 victory over Westports Malaysia in the ASEAN Basketball League at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan Wednesday night.

Brownlee and Balkman delivered what their predecessors had failed to provide – firepower, hustle and inspiration – as the hosts hurdled the Dragons to the delight of the big local crowd.

Brownlee and Balkman arrived Wednesday morning and complemented well with the locals even without the benefit of a practice with the former barely turning in a triple-double effort with 29 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.

Balkman, on the other hand, wound up with 17 points and 11 boards as Alab notched its second win after dropping its first three games.

More importantly, Brownlee and Balkman showed they fit into coach Jimmy Alapag’s system unlike former Alab imports Chukwunike Okosa and Ivan Johnson, who churned out big numbers but failed to inspire.

“Great to have them on our side, they are world class and they will give us a chance,” said Alapag.

Alab clashes with the Singapore Slingers at the OCBC Arena in Singapore this Sunday.