KL Dragons ward off slumping RP Patriots

MANILA, Philippines - The Kuala Lumpur Dragons snapped a two-game skid beating the Philippine Patriots, 77-59, in the first Asean Basketball League at the MABA gym in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last Saturday.

Ironically, Filipino reinforcements Rudy Lingganay and Roel Hugnatan delivered the goods for the Dragons as they came through with clutch baskets down the stretch to lift the hosts past the Patriots.

It was the RP cagers’ second straight loss in four days on the road as the Patriots also bowed to the Singapore Slingers, 59-67, last Wednesday.

Lingganay fired 14 points while Hugnatan added 13 points as the duo held their ground against the Patriots’ big men.

It was a big win for the Dragons who played majority of the way with only one import after Chris Kuete Lonichi was ejected with 6:12 in the second quarter when he entered the court in a fighting stance following an altercation between Dino Daa and local cager Yoong Jing-kwaan.

“The players did just what they had to do for this game offensively and defensively. We also shot well this time,” said Dragons coach Cheng Huat Goh.

It was the host team’s fifth win in 12 outings as the Dragons stayed in the hunt for a possible seat in the semifinals.

On the other hand, the Patriots’ setback - their fourth overall in 13 games - held back their bid for No. 1 spot in the Final Four.