BritAma seals title showdown with Patriots

MANILA, Philippines - Indonesia’s Satria Muda BritAma downed the Singapore Slingers, 86-76, in their sudden death duel at the Singapore Indoor Stadium last Sunday to arrange a title showdown with the Philippine Patriots in the Asean Basketball League.

Satria Muda’s import Nakiea Miller took charge for Indonesia in the second half, scoring 20 points to power BritAma to the victory and into the best-of-five title series with the Patriots.

The playoff starts on Friday at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig with Game Two set Feb. 17 at The Arena in San Juan. Game Three will be played at the BritAma Arena in Indonesia on Feb. 21. If necessary, Game 4 will also be held at BritAma on Feb. 24 while Game 5 is set at the Ynares on Feb. 28.

Though the Patriots, co-owned by Harbour Centre president and CEO Mikee Romero and Tonyboy Cojuangco, have swept the Indons in their three meetings in the elims, Romero and coach Louie Alas said the title series will be an entirely different phase.

“We have an intense rivalry with Indonesia dating back our days in the SEABA Club Championship, so I expect the series to be an emotional one. But I have strong faith in our boys, we’re determined to win the first-ever title of the tournament,” Romero said.

Romero, who also funded the RP team in the 2007 SEA Games where the Nationals posted a record winning average margin of 42 points, said the Patriots, especially imports Gabe Freeman and Jason Dixon, are all primed up against the Indons.

“They’re all ready for the series,” said team manager Erick Arejola. “Coach Louie is now working on the details of our preparation.”

Held to just two points in the first half, Miller came out smoking in the second half, coming through one big play after another to frustrate the home crowd.