Patriots gun for win on Thais' turf

BANGKOK – The AirAsia-Philippine Patriots hope to ride the momentum of their two-game sweep of the Kuala Lumpur Dragons in the semifinals when they battle the Chang Thailand Slammers in Game One of their AirAsia Asean Basketball League best-of-three finals series today here.

The Patriots are out to overcome the Slammers’ home-court advantage, going for the decisive head start in the short series in the 4 p.m. tussle. The game will be shown live on ESPN.

Phl Patriots coach Louie Alas said they’re putting premium on defense, wary of Thai threats Piyapong Piroon and Sopon Pinitpatcharalert.

“Thailand is a precise team. They won’t be easy to beat,” said Alas, whose team lost two of their previous matches with the Slammers this season.

Alas and his troops, however, are upbeat, having won their last three games.

The Slammers, meanwhile, were beaten twice in their last five outings.

“Match-ups among locals could be a big factor in the championship series. I’m confident our locals will outplay the Thais,” said Alas, hoping to deliver a second straight crown to the Philippine franchise co-owned by Mikee Romero and Tony Boy Cojuangco.

Alas particularly mentioned Egay Billones, Benedict Fernandez and Chito Jaime as the locals playing great as of late.

Piroon and Pinitpatcharalert would be marked men since they are the ones providing the Thais tremendous firepower and energy.

Imports Gabe Freeman and Steve Thomas vowed to hold their own against Thai counterparts Jason Dixon and Chris Kuete.

Freeman is averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds while Thomas norms 13 points and 17 rebounds per game.

Also expected to play important roles for the Patriots are Warren Ybanez, JP Alcaraz, Junjun Cabatu, Allan Salangsang, Harold Sta. Cruz and Erwin Sta. Maria.