Alab to play in Cebu again

CEBU, Philippines — Good news for basketball fans. After experiencing the loud and supportive Cebu home crowd in their ASEAN Basketball League game against Zuhai Wolf Warriors last Sunday, San Miguel Alab Pilipinas is coming back to play in Cebu for a second time this year.

They play the Saigon Heat on February 3, Sunday, at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-lapu City.

Backed by a full-house Hoops Dome Sunday, Alab trounced the Wolf Warriors, 105-95, with the home crowd playing the role of the sixth man that a home team leans on especially in tight games. The crowd erupted after each of the 16 triples drilled by the team and the dunks of world imports Renaldo Balkman and PJ Ramos. The crowd also chanted “Defense” but this was no longer needed when Alab built a huge lead in the third quarter.

Alab Coach Jimmy Alapag took note of the crowd, thanking the Cebu fans and citing that there was was always special to play in Cebu. “It’s just something different about playing here in Cebu; the fan support, the love and energy that the fans give here in Cebu. It’s always great to be here. And I’m thankful now that I’m coaching that my players get to experience what it’s like to play here in Cebu,” he said.

But while the crowd supported the home team, they also showed their respect for the visiting team as they applauded the nifty drives of Mike Taylor and inside-outside game of Cen Chai.

Ticket prices are P500 for lower box and P300 for the upper box sections. Tickets go on sale on January 14 at the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall Compound, in front of City Hall; and at Global Link Travel & Tours, 2nd Flr., Capitol Commercial Center (beside Grand Hotel), Escario St., Cebu City. Their telephone numbers are 254-4554, 256-3913 and 256-3914.

After bowing to Westsports Malaysia, 72-73 Wednesday night, Alab remains in first place with a 5-1 record while Saigon is at third at 7-4. Both teams will have a series of home and away games before their February 3 showdown. (FREEMAN)