ABL: Patriots fight for survival vs Slammers in Game 2

Crowd support and mental toughness are the two factors the Philippine Patriots badly need to stay alive in their bid to retain the ASEAN Basketball League crown. Game 2 of the best-of-three finals will be held on Saturday at the Philsports Arena, with the Patriots battling for survival against the Chang Thailand Slammers. “We need some minor adjustments in our game plan, because we almost snatched the win the last time. It was very unfortunate that the boys self-destructed in the end," said Patriots coach Louie Alas, referring to their 58-66 loss to the Chang Thailand Slammers in Game 1 Sunday in Bangkok. Alas noted that his boys lost their focus and patience in the fourth period, rushing their shots from the 3-point zone instead of rotating the ball and waiting for the right time to attack. “When the Slammers made a run in the fourth, we started to shoot from the outside, with our boys thinking they can erase a seven-point lead with a 3-point shot. That was very wrong," said Alas. “That’s why we need to be focused from start to finish." Mikee Romero, who co-owns the team with business tycoon Tony Boy Cojuangco, readily agreed with Alas’ assessment, saying, “We lost our toughness in the fourth, and that made the difference." Romero, however, insists that the series is far from over, having gone through this kind of situation in the past during his Harbour Centre team's stint in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL). The Patriots and the Slammers clash on Saturday, with the Filipinos hoping to extend the series to the full route. Game 3 is scheduled to be played again in Bangkok “I believe that we still have a good chance of turning the tide. But we need the support of our ‘kababayans’ to boost the morale of our players," said Romero, who is hoping to win his 11th title as an owner. To snap a three-game losing run to the Slammers, the Patriots – especially the locals – should shoot well from the outside, and import Gabe Freeman must avoid getting into foul trouble early, as what happened the last time. Former Far Eastern U star Benedict Fernandez, Junjun Cabatu and veteran guard Egay Billones should seek redemption following a disappointing performance in Game 1 that saw Fernandez and Cabatu laying big fat eggs. Import Steve Thomas did well for the Patriots by posting 11 points and 15 boards, but in the crucial period, he was outmuscled by former Patriot import Jason Dixon, who finish with 14 points and 13 rebounds. - KY, RCJ, GMA News