RP Patriots battle Dragons in ABL semis

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Patriots hope to redeem themselves from a crushing defeat to the Kuala Lumpur Dragons the last time when they clash in Game 1 of their best-of-three semis series today in the ASEAN Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Patriots, co-owned by Harbour Centre boss Mikee Romero and Tony Boy Cojuangco, are expected to throw their vaunted defense early to force the shooters of the Dragons out of their comfort zones in their 4 p.m. encounter.

For topping the triple-round elims with an 11-4 record, the Patriots enjoy a home court advantage but coach Louie Alas remains wary of the Dragons, who beat them, 77-59, three weeks ago in Kuala Lumpur.

Still, the Patriots hold a 2-1 edge over Dragons in their head-to-head duel. Admission is free

“They (KL) are no pushover team,” said Alas. “We really had a hard time every time we played against them. For us to beat them, we have to match their intensity and control the boards.

The Patriots overcame a six-point deficit entering the payoff period to eke out a 73-63 victory in their first meeting last last Nov. 15 in Kuala Lumpur then followed it up with a 76-70 win last Dec. 19 at the Ynares Sports Center.

“KL has been relying so much on their outside shots. It’s almost like a Korean style of play where they drive and kick so our main focus will be on defense,” said Alas.

For the first time, import Gabe Freeman will have his first glimpse of the Dragons. The former PBA Best import for San Miguel Beer is coming off a 20-point and 21-rebound performance in their 87-65 win over the Brunei Barracudas.

Although the 6-foot-6 Freeman is expected to explode again, he will need some help from the Patriots’ other import Jason Dixon, who had 10 double-doubles this season.

Other players expected to perform are locals Ybanez, Jaypee Alcaraz, Rob Wainwright, Jerwin Gaco, Nonoy Baclao and Elmer Espiritu.

KL, which won its final three games to enter the playoffs, will rely heavily on Cameroonian import Chris Kuete, American big man Jamal Brown and Filipinos Rudy Lingganay, Fhadzmir “Toto” Bandaying and Ruel Hugnatan