The Singapore Slingers dealt the San Miguel Beermen their second loss in four games via a 71-63 decision in the Asean Basketball League at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Ironically, it was Fil-Am guard Don Dulay who proved to be the difference-maker in the match as he scored 23 points, including several key ones down the stretch to preserve the Slingers’ win.
The Slingers now lead the league with a 4-1 (win-loss) mark while the Beermen fell to an even 2-2.
Dulay broke a 59-59 standoff with a jumper then import Louis Graham followed with a layup and Wong nailed a clutch trey off two SMB turnovers as Singapore took a 66-59 cushion going to the last 56 seconds.
The Beermen tried to have a go at it and got to within four, but Dulay responded with three free-throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
“We had a slow start again and the Slingers’ import (Don Dulay) hurt us with 23 points. Plus we have problems with a back up guard so Froilan (Baguion) had to play extended minutes,”said SMB coach Bobby Parks.
While San Miguel’s imports tried their best, the local support was a no-show for the Beermen.
“Our top scorers Benedict (Fernandez) and Leo (Avenido) made only two of 16 attempts from the field. Despite that, we tied the game and it just so happen that we could not convert down the stretch,”Parks added.
Dalron Johnson scored 19 and had 11 rebounds while Doug Thomas played through an eye injury and had 10 points.