Patriots get back at Slingers

Manny Pacquiao

The Philippine Patriots, getting a big lift from Elmer Espiritu, got back at the Singapore Slingers, 70-53, in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) yesterday at The Arena in San Juan.

The high-flying Espiritu dished out a splendid game and himself came through with the crucial baskets clinching the Patriots’ vengeful win.

It was the second straight win and third overall in four starts for the Patriots, who handed the Slingers their first defeat in five games.

The Patriots avenged their 74-69 defeat to the Slingers in their first meeting three weeks ago in Singapore.

The Patriots, co-owned by Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero and businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco, collide with the Kuala Lumpur Dragons next week in Malaysia.

The home team rattled the Slingers with a methodical defense, limiting the visiting squad to only four points in the last five minutes of play.

After falling behind by 18 points in the second quarter, the Slingers closed in at 42-50 on three straight charities by Singapore import Michael LeBlanc.

But a completed three-point play by Espiritu ended Singapore’s bid to move closer.

With their hot shooting, the Patriots coasted to a 36-23 lead at halftime with American import Brandon Powell leading the team’s assault with 10 points.

The Patriots converted 16 of 32 tries for an impressive 52 percent shooting.

A spectacular shot by Powell off a perfect pass by point guard Froilan Baguion gave the home team their biggest lead in the first half at 28-10, with 6:57 remaining in the second period.

In sharp contrast, the Slingers struggled offensively in the first two quarters, bungling 21 of 31 shots for a 32 percent shooting while turning the ball 12 times, four from Filipino import Al Vergara, who was playing in pain.

Vergara, the lone Filipino player for the Slingers, suited up despite injuring his left knee during their 96-72 rout of Indonesia’s Satria Muda BritAma last week.

Unlike the first time they clashed, the Patriots showed cohesion, with Baguio and Warren Ybanez combining for 13 assists.

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