“We have to take them seriously since the Dragons are on a roll,” said Romero, CEO and president of Harbour Centre. “We have to raise notches higher our level of game, especially on defense.”
Though fully satisfied with the performance of new import Gabe Freeman in their last two games, Romero said they have to put emphasis on defense to prevent the Dragons from playing their vaunted run-and-gun game.
The Dragons, led by Filipino imports Rudy Lingganay and Rhoel Hugnatan, won their last three games – including a 77-59 win over the Patriots three weeks ago – to edge out the Brunei Barracudas for the No. 4 spot.
In the game versus the Patriots, Lingganay and Hugnatan paced the Dragons with 14 and 13 points, respectively. The Dragons finished the elims with a 7-8 record while the Barracudas wound up with an 8-7 mark.
The Patriots hold a 2-1 edge over the Dragons in their personal duel.
Romero is confident the Patriots can survive the challenge of the Dragons since the brilliance of the 6-foot-6 Freeman has somewhat rubbed off on his teammates.
Romero cited the improved shooting of Rob Wainwright and Val Acuña and defensive efforts of Ateneo’s Nonoy Baclao, Jerwin Gaco, Elmer Espiritu, Warren Ybañez and JP Alcaraz.
Freeman had a double-double performance with 20 points and 21 rebounds in the team’s 87-65 conquest of the Barracudas. Most of his baskets came in the second quarter where the Patriots started to pull away.
Source: Author Unknown | Philstar.com
No comments:
Post a Comment