Alas confident vs Brunei

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Patriots left for Brunei yesterday with coach Louie Alas confident of chalking up another win for the team despite the absence of import Anthony Johnson.

“We did a wonderful job against the Slingers (Singapore), so I hope they can keep the momentum,” said Alas, referring to their scary 62-59 win over the Slingers last Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The RP Patriots shoot for their third straight win against the Brunei Barracudas as the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League Season 2 resumes tomorrow at the Brunei Indoor Stadium.

The RP Patriots beat the Barracudas the first time they clashed, 71-62, but they will have to do a repeat without Johnson.

Johnson, who scored 24 points against the Barracudas two weeks ago, is still recuperating from a hamstring injury.

“We did well defensively against the Slingers so there’s no reason why we can’t do the same against the Barracudas,” said Alas, downplaying the absence of his prized import.

Fil-Am Alex Crisano and Orly Daroya, meanwhile, hope to provide the muscle underneath and Donald Little, the team’s other import, to play with more intensity in the paint the way he did against the Slingers.

“He (Little) has to be ready, I’m sure the Barracudas are raring to get even,” said team manager Erick Arejola.