Patriots-Tigers on ESPN, TV 5

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Patriots’ game with the Thailand Tigers in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) tomorrow will be telecast live by giant sports network ESPN and local network TV 5 (formerly ABC-5).

The RP Patriots, to be backstopped by new acquisitions Nonoy Baclao of Ateneo and UE’s Val Acuna and Elmer Espiritu, will try to bounce back from their 69-74 setback to the Singapore Slingers in Singapore last week when they play the Tigers at 4 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Admission is free.

Harbour Centre CEO Mikee Romero, who co-owns the team along with Tony Boy Cojuangco, said the live coverage of both ESPN and TV 5 augurs well for the three-week old tournament.

“This is a good indication that the league is doing great. With the help of TV 5 people, I’m sure the league will grow faster and bigger,” said Romero.

Meanwhile, team manager Erick Arejola said that Baclao, Acuna and Espiritu have joined the team’s practice after coming to terms with the management regarding their contracts.

“Definitely, these players will make a huge impact to the team and to the league. They are exciting players with different talents,” said coach Louie Alas.

“Baclao and Espiritu are tough defensive players, they can really help the team defensively,” said Alas, who will call the shots for the first time after missing the team’s first two games.