RP Patriots seek revenge vs Slingers

Game on Saturday (The Arena, San Juan)
4 p.m. - RP Patriots vs Singapore Slingers

The Philippine Patriots, fully rested, try to snap the four-game winning streak of the Singapore Slingers when they clash this Saturday in the ASEAN Basketball League at The Arena in San Juan.

In what is expected to be an all-out affair between two budding rivals, the Patriots are determined to exact sweet revenge after absorbing a 74-69 loss to the Slingers three weeks ago at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Coach Louie Alas, who was not around in their first encounter with the Singapore side, is glad that big man Nonoy Baclao has been given the green light after suffering a groin injury while 6-foot-10 import Jason Dixon appears to have regained his old form.

"With the support of the crowd and the improvements of the boys the past few days, we have a good chance of beating them," Alas said.

The Patriots hold a 2-1 record after beating the Thailand Tigers two weeks ago at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Their scheduled match last week with the Brunei Barracudas was postponed because of Typhoon Santi.

Dixon, who has struggled for most of the team's first three games, impressed Alas after the former PBA reinforcement played well in the Patriots' tune-up match against the Smart Gilas national team last Wednesday.

"He's getting better and better. Hopefully, he can dish out the same performance he did against Smart Gilas," said Alas. "He's getting back to his old, fighting form."

While the 6-foot-4 Baclao is still recovering from his injury, Mikee Romero, who co-owns the team along with businessman Tonyboy Cojuangco believes that the former Ateneo Blue Eagle will be able to play well despite of the pain.

"Nonoy is a fighter, so we believe he will contribute significantly to the team's success. Besides, it's very different playing before your supporters, it gives you a different motivation," said Romero.