MANILA, Philippines — Gabe Freeman hopes to inspire his teammates to provide him again the necessary support when the AirAsia-Philippine Patriots try to finish off the Westports KL Dragons in Game 2 of their semifinal series in the Asean Basketball League in Kuala Lumpur this Wednesday.

Freeman, who had a double-double of 36 points and 11 rebounds in just his fifth game back with the team, led the Patriots to an 88-83 victory in Game 1 at the Philsports Arena.

Freeman sees a big comeback by the Dragons who will be playing before a highly-partisan home crowd.

“It's going to be tough,” said Freeman. “We're not in our comfort zone but we just got to be prepared for it. We're warriors. We're the Patriots and we're ready for whatever.”

The 6-foot-5 former two-time PBA Best Import, erupted for 23 points in the second half as the Filipino dribblers fended off the challenge of the KL cagers led by imports Justin Leith, Nakiea Miller and Filipino Rudy Lingganay.

He got some help from Benedict Fernandez, Egay Billones, Warren Ybañez, despite getting into foul trouble, and even big man Chito Jaime and Erwin Sta Maria, who both gave quality minutes during the second half.

Six-foot-9 import Steve Thomas also came away with 11 points and 16 boards as the Patriots won on almost all categories with a 49-35 rebounding edge, 19-12 in assists and 9-2 in the steal department.

“Oh man, I mean you wouldn't believe it they stepped up on both offense and defense,” said Freeman. “The rebounding was big and in the fourth quarter we outrebounded them by just attacking the boards. It's always good to have your teammates on your shoulders.”

But the Patriots are looking to keep the same intensity heading to KL, where they expect another hostile crowd at MABA Stadium which seats around 2,000-3,000 fans per game.

Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin