Patriots coach Alas wants locals to step up against Tigers

Despite having Gabe Freeman as their new import, Philippine Patriots coach Louie Alas is still hoping that his local players play true to their form. "For us to be dominant in this league, we must not solely rely on our imports. The locals must step up and share the load," said Alas hoping to get better performances from big men Nonoy Baclao and Elmer Espiritu.

The team hopes to snap a two-game road losing streak in the 1st ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) as they face the Thailand Tigers Sunday at the Nimibutr National Stadium, Bangkok. Freeman arrived Friday night to replace the ineffective Brandon Powell, who scored a combined 15 points in the team's 67-59 and 77-59 defeats to the Singapore Slingers and Kuala Lumpur Dragons last week. Expectations are high for Freeman after leading San Miguel to the Fiesta Conference title last year. He averaged 23 points and 15.5 rebounds in 24 games with the Beermen and was later adjudged the Best Import of the conference. But Freeman has yet to get accustomed to Alas’ system even as jetlag may also affect his game thus the locals must step up and support the Patriots’ other import, 6-foot-9 Jason Dixon. "We'll have two practices and I think he will have little problem adjusting to the team," added Alas. "He's young and he will be of help to our team," said team manager Erick Arejola. The Patriots is still on top of the six-team regional league with a 9-4 card with another victory strengthening their hold of the No. 1 spot after the triple round elimination and gain the home court advantage in the semifinals. There is also a strong possibility that the Patriots will emerge as the number one team but they have to win their last two games and hope the Slingers (8-4) drop one of their three road games. The Patriots last game in the elimination round is against Brunei Barracudas at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City on Jan. 24. – GMANews.TV