Tall Sam Deguara powers Thais over Alab five

MANILA, Philippines — Sam Deguara dished out a huge game befitting his monster frame, including a clutch three-point play as Mono Vampire of Thailand survived San Miguel Alab Pilipinas, 103-100, to level their ASEAN Basketball League Finals at one game apiece at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Sports Complex in Sta. Rosa, Laguna late Wednesday night.

The 7-4 Deguara proved unstoppable in the paint, coming away with 30 points and 20 rebounds, his last three markers off John Ray Alabanza giving the Thai side enough cushion to preserve their lead and the victory that sent their best-of-five series back to where it started Sunday.

The hosts, who took the series opener, 143-130, in overtime, had a chance to force another extension but Justin Brownlee, hobbled by a bum knee in the early going, misfired on a pair of three-point attempts, enabling Mono Vampire to steal the win and regain the homecourt edge.

Mono Vampire will have a chance to wrap it all up back home with Game Three set tomorrow and Game Four slated Monday at Stadium 29 in Bangkok.

A deciding Game Five, if necessary, will be played on May 2 back at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex.

“I’m proud of my team for showing resiliency,” said Mono Vampire coach Douglas Marty.

Mike Singletary backed Deguara with 26 points while Fil-Am Jason Brickman had 15 points, 11 assists, six boards and two steals.

Paul Zamar, a Filipino tapped as a heritage import by Mono Vampire, chipped in 12 markers.