RP Patriots eye 3rd win vs Brunei 5

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Patriots shoot for their first back-to-back win against the Brunei Barracudas as action in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) resumes today at The Arena in San Juan City.

Nonoy Baclao of Ateneo and UE’s Elmer Espiritu hope to dish out another pair of solid games the way they did in their debut last Sunday when they came up with defensive efforts to help the Patriots beat the Thailand Tigers, 74-61.

Baclao, a vital force in Ateneo’s back-to-back title conquest in the UAAP, finished with seven points, five blocks and the same number of rebounds as he impressed team owners Mikee Romero of Harbour Centre, businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco and coach Louie Alas.

Espiritu also turned in a creditable performance, scoring eight points and coming up with four blocks and three rebounds in 21 minutes of action.

Romero and Alas, however, said that for the Patriots to beat the Barracudas in their 4 p.m. encounter, Baclao, Espiritu and Val Acuna – another late addition to the team – must raise their level of game a notch higher.

“We need another big game from Nonoy and Elmer. Val and the rest of the team must also step up since Brunei is determined to beat us,” said Romero.

The Patriots are locked a two-way tie for second to third with Indonesia’s Satria Muda BritAma at 2-1.

While Brunei imports enjoy a decisive edge in height than their Patriot counterparts, Alas is convinced that their quickness and hustle will make a major difference.

“Since we have two dependable guards, we have to run and wear them down,” said Alas, who is counting heavily on Froilan Baguion and Warren Ybanez to run the show with Christian Corone remains a doubtful starter.