Brownlee back in action for Alab

MANILA, Philippines — Justin Brownlee makes his anticipated return as Alab Pilipinas seeks to bounce back against cellar-dweller Saigon Heat in the ASEAN Basketball League tonight at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.

The decorated import was supposed to have his grand homecoming with the Philippine squad last Wednesday but it was shelved due to flight delay, resulting into a crucial road defeat for Alab.

With Brownlee out, Alab played with just two world imports in Nick King and Sam Deguara en route to a costly 90-82 loss to Westports Malaysia Dragons in Kuala Lumpur.

At 9-6, Alab eyes to quickly shrug it off at 7:30 p.m. in a bid to firm up its hold of second spot with Formosa lurking behind at No. 3 with an 8-6 slate.

Thailand’s Mono Vampire continues to pace the 10-team league with a 12-4 mark.

To fend off Saigon, coach Jimmy Alapag will bank on the resident Ginebra import, who is raring to get back on with the squad coming off yet another successful PBA stint that further cemented his stature as the best PBA import of his era.

Having won four championships with the Gin Kings and one with Alab in 2018, Brownlee’s winning tradition and rich experience paired with his scoring prowess and versatility are expected to stabilize Alab’s bumpy ABL campaign so far.

Aside from King and Deguara, he will have the support of Alab locals led by Jason Brickman, Jeremiah Gray, Jordan Heading, Lawrence Domingo and Brandon Rosser.

Saigon (3-10) plunges to action with fresh legs after its games against Hong Kong Eastern and Macau Wolf Warriors have been cancelled last week due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).