Battle of ABL biggies: Patriots face Slammers

Already assured of a semis berth, the Philippine Patriots try to boost their bid for the No. 1 slot when they battle the Chang Thailand Slammers Sunday in the ASEAN Basketball League Season 2 at the Nimibutr National Stadium in Bangkok. The Patriots are just a game behind the Slammers, but the Filipinos can forge a share of the lead with a win over the Thais in their 5 p.m. game. The Slammers carry a 9-3 card while the defending champion Patriots sport an 8-4 mark. The Filipinos are coming off back-to-back victories, including an 80-73 win over the struggling Singapore Slingers last Dec. 18. With the return of import Gabe Freeman and the consistent plays of local guard Egay Billones and 6-foot-9 reinforcement Steve Thomas, the Patriots of co-owners Mikee Romero and Tony Boy Cojuangco are determined to beat the Slammers for the second time in three meetings. Aside from imports Freeman and Thomas and the cerebral quarterback Billones, also expected to provide ample support are Chito Jaime, Jun-Jun Cabatu, Warren Ybañez and Benedict Fernandez. Behind the gutsy performance of former import Anthony Johnson, the PHL cagers hacked out a 54-48 win over the Slammers in Bangkok on Oct. 23. But the Slammers exacted vengeance — thanks to Piyapong Piroon, who uncorked the go-ahead triple for a 69-68 win on Nov. 20. Winning a second time won’t be easy, and Patriots coach Louie Alas knows it too well. "We lacked the intensity and the defensive mentality after our previous win, but hopefully we could play consistently in those areas, especially after coming off a long break," said Alas. Like the Patriots, the Slammers also have dependable players led by ex-Patriots import Jason Dixon, Filipino import Froilan Baguion and 2009 Most Valuable Player Attaporn Lertmalaiporn. Alas said they have to finish strong to avoid getting ambushed once again. “We usually have a tendency to play point-for-point with our opponent," said Alas. “We just have to avoid it." - KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV