"I will definitely be back next conference to reclaim the crown," the fired-up American said minutes after the Patriots absorbed a 66-75 Game 2 shocker at the PhilSports Arena and surrendered the throne to the Slammers via a 0-2 defeat in their best-of-three title clash.

The Slammers also won the opener of the series via a 66-56 decision last Feb. 13 in Bangkok and completed a fairytale run after rotting in the cellar during the inaugural staging of the tournament last year.

"I just told management that I want to play again next season and bring the title back," said Freeman, a two-time PBA best import awardee, who finished with a team-high 16 points on top of 16 rebounds but failed to ring the bell in the fourth quarter.

"I’m just very dedicated to this team right now. I want to be here next conference two weeks before the start (of the tourney) just to work things out better and get more familiarized, especially if we have new players," Freeman added after having a one-on-one talk with fellow import Steve Thomas, who had 14 points and 16 rebounds.

With the Patriots’ backs against the wall, Freeman tried to carry the load and was at his best in the first three quarters, playing aggressively on both ends of the floor and igniting a ferocious Patriots’ rally that gave the team a 50-36 lead halfway through the third period.

After that, however, the Slammers showed the heart and composure of true champions as the Patriots unexpectedly lost their focus.

With Filipino imports Froilan Baguion and Ardy Larong hitting big baskets and Slammers imports Chris Kuete and Jason Dixon, who had a big hand in the Patriots’ title win last year, joining the fray, the Slammers slowly clawed their way back, capitalizing on every Patriots turnovers and shredding the home team’s lethargic defense with their outside sniping.

After the Slammers knotted the score at 63-all with 3:44 left in the highly-physical game, the Patriots fired blanks in their succeeding offensive thrusts as Freeman and Dixon were pushed out of their comfort zones.

"Your imports can only do so much. Your imports can only bring the best out of you so much. We’ve been pushing and fighting so much," said Freeman. "They (his teammates) need to respond, too."

Showing poise in the latter stages, Thai forward Attaporn Lertmaiporn asserted himself against Freeman, sinking three of four charities for a 66-63 lead as the Patriots slowly lost focus that triggered their downfall.

"Natalo tayo sa mental toughness," rued Patriots coach Louie Alas, sitting outside the dugout. "Hindi naman kami nagkulang sa motivation sa mga bata at hindi naman namin maituturo kung paano mag-decide ng tama."

Despite outrebounding the Slammers 31-52, the Patriots turned the ball over 22 times, 10 more of their counterparts–a statistical figure that underscored their poor decision-making, especially down the stretch.

Exasperated with his team’s poor fourth quarter play, co-team owner Mikee Romero huffed and puffed while being consoled by friends near the team’s dugout, in no mood to be interviewed. He was seen joining the team huddle at the most crucial stages in the fourth quarter, probably egging them to try and extend the series to a deciding game–to no avail.

Jerome Lagunzad, Business Malaya