INQUIRER Sports

INDONESIA spoiled the expected showdown between the league?s top seeds as Satria Muda BritAma stunned the favored Singapore Slingers, 86-76, Sunday to arrange a championship showdown with the Philippine Patriots in the Asean Basketball League.

American import Nakiea Miller buried half of his 22 points in the last seven minutes as Satria Muda took the winner-take-all Game 3 semifinal duel at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Game 1 of the best-of-five title series between the top-ranked Patriots and Satria Muda, the third seed who overcame the Slingers? homecourt semifinal edge, is on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Despite the aborted showdown between the league favorites, Patriots officials expect a tough series with coach Louie Alas citing Satria Muda?s deep bench.

?We have an intense rivalry with Indonesia dating back to the Seaba Club Championship, so I expect the series to be an emotional one,? said Harbour Centre CEO Mikee Romero, who co-owns the team with TV 5 top honcho Tony Boy Cojuangco.

?But I have strong faith in our boys. We?re determined to win the first-ever title of the tournament.?

Miller, whose triple triggered a late run that shattered a 67-67 deadlock, also posted a team-high 14 rebounds aside from five blocks.

The Patriots own a perfect 3-0 elimination record over Satria Muda, the only team in the league with no Filipino import since December, when it dropped former PBA player Rensy Bajar from its roster.