Patriots seek to bounce back vs Indonesians

MANILA, Philippines - The AirAsia Philippine Patriots try to recover lost grounds as they take on the Satria Muda BritAma side today at resumption of action in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) at the BritAma Indoor Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Patriots, who defeated BritAma for the title in last year’s inaugurals, are coming off a crushing 96-81 defeat at the hands of the Kuala Lumpur Dragons last Saturday in Malaysia, their third against six wins.

The Chang Thailand Slammers show the way with a 7-2 record.

Gametime is at 6 p.m. with the Patriots hard-pressed to snap their two-game skid with only one import in Rashiem Wright following the ouster of Donald Little.

“It’s going to be tough for us but we’re used to playing with one import. All we have to do is to improve on our defense,” said coach Louie Alas back with the team after missing the team’s last outing due to fever.

Team manager Erick Arejola said the Patriots remain in search of Little’s replacement as the race for the top two places heat up.

“We have yet to find one but we hope to play with renewed vigor this time,” said Arejola. “We’re hoping that the loss of Little will further inspire our players especially our big men, to deliver.”

“This is a challenge to the team,” said Harbour Centre boss Mikee Romero, who co-owns the team with Tony Boy Cojuangco.

Wright, who exploded for a season-best 31 points the last time out, is expected to carry to scoring load for the Patriots along with locals Egay Billones, Junjun Cabatu, Warren Ybanez and Chito Jaime.

With Little as the team’s only import, the Patriots beat the BritAma, 75-69, last Oct. 30.

BritAma, on the other hand, will pin its hopes on new import Antoine Broxie and Marcus Morrison.