ABL: Filipino Beermen trump Thai Slammers

Philippines’ San Miguel Beer thrashed the Sports Rev Thailand Slammers, 78-70, to cop its 11th straight victory Wednesday night in the 4th ASEAN Basketball League (ABL), at Nimibutr Stadium, in Bangkok.
 
The Beermen are at the top of the standings with a 14-3 record after making crucial baskets in the last three minutes, and being powered by the solid performances from Asi Taulava and Paulo Hubalde, ABL said on its website.
 
Taulava, who turned 40 last month, scored back-to-back bucket to put the Beermen ahead for good after a deadlock at 64. Stops from Justin Williams and markers from Hubalde sealed the win.
 
ABL said the Slammers were on their toes heading into the halftime break, with the Beerman scoring eight points only in the entire second quarter.

“Charles ended the quarter the way he started it, with a strong dunk, and the Slammers head into the break trailing by just three at 33 to 36,” it added.
 
Christien Charles led the Slammers with 16 points and 10 rebounds while Darongpan Apiromvilaichai earned 12 markers.
 
Taulava ended up with 18 points, five rebounds and six assists while Hubalde stepped up with 14 points.
 
Chris Banchero, the Beermen’s star guard, was out with quadriceps tendon tear.
 
Thailand Slammers will play against Jobstreet.com Singapore Slingers on Sunday, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
 
Scores:
 
San Miguel Beer (Beermen) 78 – Taulava-18, Avenido-15, Hubalde-14, B Williams-6, Rizada-2, Thiele-2
 
Sports Rev Thailand (Slammers) 70 – Charles, 16, Apiromvilaichai-12, Sekteera-9, Baguion-9, Klahan-8, Dasom-6, Brannon-4, Samerjai-3, Tongsri-3
 
Quarters: 28-12, 36-33, 46-53, 78-70