The Philippines, a perennial powerhouse in basketball in Southeast Asia, and Malaysia have a history that goes way back. They have battled passionately on the basketball court, with not a few games ending up in a ruckus or a free-for-all. Expect the best-of-three semis series between the Philippine Patriots and the Kuala Lumpur Dragons to be no different.
The teams square off on Sunday at the Philsports Arena beginning 4 p.m. — with each one
going for a win that to get within striking distance of the championship round of the ASEAN Basketball League Season 2,
The Patriots lost to the Dragons, 96-81, last October in an ugly game that saw Warren Ybanez being hit with a bottle of water by an overzealous fan, prompting officials to stop the game for about five minutes.
Coins were also thrown at the direction of several Patriots players, even though the Dragons were leading at the time.
The Patriots struck back in their second meeting, 73-71, but the Dragons also responded in their third encounter and handed the Filipinos a sound beating, 92-74.
With the stakes getting higher, Patriots mentor Louis Alas expressed confidence in his players and remained upbeat on his team's chances.
Alas’ renewed confidence draws from the fact that the squad has rediscovered its defensive toughness, as exemplified by imports Gabe Freeman and Steve Thomas.
“We have to play tough defense for 40 minutes. If we can’t do that, then it’s going to be difficult beating the Dragons," said Alas.
Rey Joble, GMA News TV
