Game on Saturday (The Arena, San Juan)
4 p.m. — RP Patriots vs Brunei Barracudas

The Philippine Patriots go for their first back-to-back victories when they take on the Filipino-reinforced Brunei Barracudas in the ASEAN Basketball League at The Arena in San Juan.

With the addition of college standouts Nonoy Baclao of Ateneo and Elmer Espiritu of University of the East, the Patriots crushed the visiting Thailand Tigers, 74-61, last Sunday to bounce back from a 74-69 setback at the hands of the Singapore Slingers.

But the Patriots will need more from Baclao and Espiritu if they want to beat the Barracudas.

Baclao, who was instrumental in the Blue Eagles second straight UAAP crown, had seven points, five rebounds, and five blocks, while Espiritu finished with eight points, four blocks, and three rebounds.

Val Acuña – the third addition to the team and Espiritu’s partner at UE – is also expected to shine after a disappointing 2-point performance the last time out.

The Patriots, owned by Mikee Romero of Harbour Centre and Tony Boy Cojuangco, are currently tied with Indonesia’s Satria Muda BritAma for second at 2-1 with the Slingers leading the pack with a perfect 3-0 card.

“We need another big game from Nonoy and Elmer. The rest of the team must also step up since Brunei is determined to beat us,” said Romero.

Despite a 1-2 record, the Barracudas remain a formidable foe after bowing to Singapore by just two points, 82-80, last weekend.

Adding worries to the team is that Brunei is powered by three ex-PBA cagers in Leo Avenido, Kiko Adriano, and Don Camaso with Filipino coach Bong Ramos calling the shots.