Alab bites Mono Vampire in OT

MANILA, Philippines — Jason Brickman sizzled for a career-best 32 points to power Alab Pilipinas to a huge 100-92 come-from-behind overtime win against No. 1 Mono Vampire in the ASEAN Basketball League at the Stadium 29 in Nonthaburi, Thailand. 

Proving that he’s more than just a playmaker, Brickman took over in the fourth period and extra time where he exploded for 23 points spiked by five triples to lead the Philippine squad to a triumphant comeback from a 16-point deficit. 

The Fil-Am guard added eight rebounds and eight assists with three steals for a superb all-around outing as the San Miguel-backed franchise improved to 7-4. Alab remained within striking distance from the pacesetting Mono (9-4) halfway through the prelims. 

World imports Nick King (26-9-5) and Sam Deguara (16-16-3) were also steady for Alab, which avenged its 102-89 home loss against the Thailand club last weekend at the Caloocan Sports Complex. 

Up against a frenetic Thai home crowd, Alab started flat with a 17-26 opening frame before falling into a deeper 57-73 hole early in the final canto. 

But that’s when ex-Mono heritage import Brickman found his touch, single-handedly carrying Alab to a searing 27-6 windup punctuated by a huge triple in the last minute for an 84-79 upperhand. 

The home team, behind former PBA import Mike Singletary and Preston Knowles, then retaliated with back-to-back triples to force overtime.