Even Without Import, Alas Remains Confident

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Patriots left for Brunei on Thursday with coach Louie Alas expecting another good showing from his boys even without import Anthony Johnson.

“We did a wonderful job against the Slingers (Singapore), so I hope they can keep the momentum,” said Alas, referring to their scary 62-59 win over the Slingers last Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Co-owned by Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero and Tony Boy Cojuangco, the RP Patriots shoot for their third straight win against the Brunei Barracudas as the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League Season 2 resumes this Saturday at the Brunei Indoor Stadium.

The RP Patriots beat the Barracudas the first time they clashed, 71-62, but they are hard-pressed to repeat due to the absence of Johnson.

Johnson, who scored 24 points against the Barracudas two weeks ago, is still recuperating from a hamstring injury.

Still, Alas is confident his boys can cope well even without their man, saying: “We did well defensively against the Slingers so there’s no reason why we can’t do the same against the Barracudas.”

To cushion the absence of Johnson, Alas and team manager Erick Arejola have inserted Fil-Am Alex Crisano and rugged Orly Daroya to add more muscle in the shaded lane.

Alas and Arejola also expect their second import Donald Little to play with more intensity in the paint just like what he did against the Slingers.

“He (Little) has to be ready, I’m sure the Barracudas are raring to get even,” said Arejola.

Manila Bulletin