RP Patriots' win fails to impress Alas, Romero

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Patriots coach Louie Alas is candid enough to admit they need to improve defensively to retain their crown in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League Season 2.

The Patriots, co-owned by Harbour Centre big boss Mikee Romero and business tycoon Tonyboy Cojuangco, hurdled their first test via a 71-62 win over the Brunei Barracudas Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

But their win failed to impress Alas.

“We can do a lot better if we’ll play several notches higher defensively,” said Alas. “If we play that way in our next game, I’m very sure ‘may paglalagyan kami’”.

Even Romero took note of the RP Patriots’ loopholes but he’s confident the coaching staff, including Far Eastern University coach Glenn Capacio, can handle it.

 “The team hasn’t gelled, so we have to plug the holes. The good thing is, it’s a five-month long tournament so we have enough time to make some adjustments defensively,” said Romero. “Little (Donald) must work hard in the shaded lane and Johnson (Anthony) has to be vocal.”

“They have to improve their defensive alignment,” added Romero.

Offensive-wise, Alas and Romero have no problem with Johnson scoring a game-high 24 points while the locals, led by Chito Jaime, Allen Malicsi, JunJun Cabahug and Erwin Sta. Maria, also stepped up.

They will be up against the dangerous Singapore Slingers - the squad reinforced by Filipinos Al Vergara and Leo Avenido - on Saturday also at the Ynares Arena.

“Our game against the Slingers will be an acid test to us,” said team manager Erick Arejola. “Their locals have improved tremendously and they have good imports, too.”

The Slingers opened their own title campaign on a high note, beating last year’s runner-up Satria Muda BritAma of Indonesia, 94-93. Thailand’s Slammers also created a stir by downing the Kuala Lumpur Dragons in overtime, 79-74.

“Good thing we were paired against the Barracudas in our first game.” said Alas. “What we have to do now is to work on our defensive alignment.”