Having lost the opportunity to gain the top spot after dropping their last two games, including a crushing 92-74 loss to Kuala Lumpur Dragons last Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, the Patriots must beat the Indons in their 7 p.m. match to be shown live on ESPN.

In securing the No. 2 spot, the Louie Alas-mentored Patriots must not only defeat the Indons but they should also pray for an upset win by the Brunei Barracudas over the Dragons also this Saturday.

The Dragons and Patriots have similar 8-6 records, and if they both defeat their rivals Saturday, the Malaysians will take the homecourt advantage over the Filipinos.

Bannered by Filipino imports in Patrick Cabahug and Rudy Lingganay, the Dragons beat the Patriots twice in three meetings this season.

Despite the grim scenario, Alas remains positive of their chances to retaining their crown.

“We just have to play with confidence and intensity,” said Alas, who is again expected to rely on imports Gabe Freeman and Steve Thomas and locals like Egay Billones, Junjun Cabatu, Chito Jaime and Benedict Fernandez.

If they fail to deliver the goods and drop their third straight game, the Patriots could end up at No. 4 should they and the Dragons falter and the Singapore Slingers (7-7) upset the league-leading Slammers (10-4).

That will force a three-way tie at 8-7, thus a tiebreaker will be used to determine the final three playoff positions.

The PH cagers should also expect a furious challenge from the hosts, as they are fighting it out with Singapore for the No. 4 spot in the playoffs.

"We just need to get our act back together. We'll just have to focus on the task at hand and avoid playing soft on both ends," added Louie Alas.

Manila Bulletin