MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Patriots shoot for their fifth straight win today as they square off with the Satria Muda BritAma of Indonesia in a duel of last year’s finalists in the Air Asia ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Season 2 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Patriots swept the Indonesians in their best-of-five title series last year with coach Louie Alas hoping to bring the big psychological edge when they tangle at 8 p.m.
“Though most of my players last year are already gone, our title win over Indonesia could motivate my new players to do their best,” said Alas. “But we have to focus on our defense.”
With import Anthony Johnson missing the action again, the Patriots must indeed play tough defense to foil the visiting squad and keep their unbeaten run.
Johnson re-injured his hamstring during the team’s 54-48 win over the Chang Thailand Slammers last Saturday in Bangkok, Thailand.
Johnson also missed two of the team’s first four games.
Even without Johnson, co-owner Mikee Romero and Alas are confident they can repeat over the Indons the way they beat the fancied Singapore Slingers and the Brunei Barracudas with only one import in Donald Little.
“We just have to play solid defense and we don’t have to be complacent. Right from the start we have to be aggressive,” said Romero who is again banking on Egay Billones and Warren Ybanez.
“Without Johnson, Little should come up with another big performance just like what he did during our game against the Slammers where he outperformed our former import, Jason Dixon,” said Romero.
Also expected to deliver the goods for the hosts are Benedict Fernandez, Erwin Sta. Maria, Allan Salangsang and Alex Crisano.
The Indonesians, who has a 1-4 record, will be led by Mario Wuysang, a holdover from last season, Filipinos Kiko Adriano, Don Camaso and new addition Rob Sanz and imports Marcus Morrison and Antoine Broxsie.