RP Patriots face big test vs Slingers

MANILA—Coach Louie Alas gave his Philippine Patriots an unsatisfactory mark despite posting an opening-game victory on Sunday in the AirAsia Asean Basketball League. “With the way we played, we could have lost that game if we were up against [strong teams] like the Singapore Slingers,” said Alas after the Patriots struggled past the Brunei Barracudas, 71-62. “We can do a lot better if we’ll play several notches higher defensively.” The Patriots expect to draw more from new American imports Anthony Johnson and Donald Little when the defending champions go up against the Slingers at 8 p.m. on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. “Little must work hard in the shaded lane, and Johnson has to be vocal,” said Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero, who watched the Patriots’ first game with team co-owner Tony Boy Cojuangco. “The team has yet to jell, so we have to plug the holes,” Romero added. “The good thing is, it’s a five-month-long tournament, so we have enough time to make some adjustments defensively.” The Patriots joined early leaders Slingers and Thailand Slammers, who also won in their home courts during the opening weekend of the six-nation tournament. Johnson paced the Patriots with 24 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, while Little had 11 points, eight boards and two blocks. Several locals also stepped up, including last season’s Finals MVP Warren Ybañez, Erwin Sta. Maria, Allein Maliksi, Junjun Cabatu and Chito Jaime. “Our game against the Slingers will be an acid test for us,” said team manager Erick Arejola. “Their locals have improved tremendously and they have good imports, too.”