THE PHILIPPINE Patriots hope to bounce back and get right back into the win column as they face off against the rejuvenated Indonesia Warriors in the Asean Basketball League today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The hype machine has been working overtime for the Warriors especially with the stellar play of their two new players, Fil-American guard Stanley Pringle and Evan Brock, who were instrumental in their 98-80 win over the Westport Malaysia Dragons last weekend. Pringle finished with 24 points and Brock had 18 points in that match.
But the Patriots have other ideas for the Warriors’ new duo especially as they are coming off a 78-83 loss to bitter rivals San Miguel Beermen last weekend. The loss trimmed their lead over the Beermen in the standings to a solitary game with the playoffs quickly looming on the horizon.
The Warriors will be eyeing their first win against the Patriots this season after two fruitless attempts. In their last game, the Patriots narrowly escaped with the win after Aldrech Ramos hit a huge shot in crunchtime that lifted them to a 72-68 win.
The Patriots have a huge problem on their hands after new import Chris Alexander abandoned the squad after just one game. The Patriots are now scrambling to find a replacement are thinking of bringing back reigning Best Import Nakiea Miller.
Patriots guard Al Vergara, who missed last Saturday’s game due to a fever, remains questionable for this game. Vergara is currently averaging 13 points and 2.5 steals in these two team’s first two meetings. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio