Game on Sunday
(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City)
4 p.m. — RP Patriots vs Thailand Tigers

The new-look Philippine Patriots aim to get back on winning track in front of their home fans this Sunday when they battle the Filipino-reinforced Thailand Tigers in the ASEAN Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

After splitting their first two games on the road, the Patriots beefed up their roster with three UAAP stars while coach Louie Alas officially makes his debut at 4 p.m. after completing his duties with the Letran Knights in the NCAA.

The game will be shown live by giant sports network ESPN and local No. 3 network TV 5 (formerly ABC-5). Admission is free.

Joining the squad are Ateneo’s Nonoy Baclao and the University of the East tandem of Elmer Espiritu and Val Acuña after the Patriots management signed them up in time for the team’s first home game of the season.

Alas, the defense-oriented mentor, believes that the retooled Patriots can play beyond their potential now that their roster is complete in almost every position.

“There’s no reason why we can’t play better this time than in our first two games. We’re almost complete in every position,” said Alas.

“Besides, we will be playing in front of our supporters, so that’s another motivation on our part,”Alas added. “But the most important thing for us now is to play as a team and with passion.”

Baclao, according to co-team-owner Mikee Romero of Harbour Centre, brings hustle and aggressiveness to the team, the high-flying Espiritu adds athleticism while Acuña provides the needed firepower.

“The good thing about this team now is we have now a pure shooter in Acuña,” said Romero. “He’s a veteran of many wars, so we’re counting much from him.”

But Alas wants to see American imports Brandon Powell and Jason Dixon do their usual games in order to erase the stigma of losing to the Singapore Slingers, 74-69, last weekend at the latter’s home court.

The Patriots trailed by double-digits in the third quarter but mounted a strong rally in the payoff period before bowing in the dying seconds.

Assistant coaches Bogs Adornado and Ryan Dy took over reigns in the first two games with the Patriots beating Satria Muda BritAma, 76-69, in front of a raucous crowd in Jakarta, Indonesia two weeks ago.

Thailand is coming off a 78-75 loss to Indonesia as Filipino Ricky Ricafuerte scoring 23 points. The former Patriot is expected to lead the Tigers anew along with ex-UP Maroon Axel Doruelo.

The Tigers recently added 6-foot-9 import Chaz Briggs as their second American import but Alas believes that Dixon can match up well with him.