Game Wednesday (MABA Stadium, Kuala Lumpur)
8 p.m. KL Dragons vs RP Patriots (Patriots lead series 1-0)

KUALA LUMPUR — Inspired by their blowout win in the opener, the Philippine Patriots shoot for a berth in the finals when they clash with the KL Dragons in Game 2 of their best-of-three semis series in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) this Wednesday at the MABA Stadium here.

The Patriots showed no mercy on the Dragons in the series opener as they made their move early before pulling away for a rousing 77-43 rout last Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

While the squad co-owned by Harbour Centre's Mikee Romero and businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco got another double-double performances from imports Gabe Freeman (15 points and 11 rebounds) and Jason Dixon (13 points and 13 rebounds), the locals also provided stellar performances.

“They have to play their best, much better than what they dished out the last time,” said Romero. “I expect Gabe (Freeman), Jason (Dixon) and the rest of our locals to step up. We have to advance to the finals because we are seeded No. 1 in this tournament.”

Among those who shared the spotlight were the starting backcourt of Warren Ybañez and Jaypee Alcaraz and bruising forward Jerwin Gaco.

Although momentum is on their side, the Patriots are bracing themselves for yet another physical clash with the Dragons like their previous match played in this bustling Malaysian capital where famous Petronas Tower is located.