MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Patriots try to bounce back from a crushing setback last week as they battle the Kuala Lumpur Dragons today in the first ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Championship at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Still smarting from a 70-95 loss to the Brunei Barracudas, the Patriots are raring to regain their winning ways as they take on the Dragons in the 4 p.m. main game.
With the return of Nonoy Baclao, who suited up for Ateneo for the last time against FEU in the recent Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) finals, the Patriots hope to make full use of their frontline rotation as they try to boost their bid for the No. 1 seed in the Final Four.
The absence of Baclao and the high-leaping Elmer Espiritu – the team’s top defensive men -–told heavily on the Patriots as the Barracudas dominated the shaded lane aside from shooting well from afar to snap the Patriots’ six-game win run.
Espiritu remains a doubtful starter due to a broken cheekbone inflicted by Indonesian American import Nakiea Miller two weeks ago.
The Patriots are still leading the six-nation tournament with a 7-2 record but the Dragons are also out to get even with them.
“We have to play really smart if we want to get back on the winning track,” said team manager Erick Arejola. “We have to win four of last six games to clinch the No. 1 seeding in the semis.”
Patriots coach Louie Alas expects his boys to redeem themselves against the Dragons who are out to follow up their impressive 88-69 win over the Thailand Tigers.