"We have to take them seriously since the Dragons are on a roll,” said the president and CEO of Harbour Centre. “We have to raise our level of game several notches, especially on defense.”
“It’s important to win the opening game of the series, that will boost our confidence going into Game 2 which will be played in Kuala Lumpur,” said Romero, whose PBL team – Harbour Centre – strung a record seven straight championships.
“This is payback time for us,” said Romero.
The Patriots beat the Dragons two in a row but the latter got back at the Filipinos big time when they scored a 77-59 three weeks ago in Kuala Lumpur.
Even coach Louie Alas is wary of the Dragons’ improved shooting.
"KL has been relying so much on their outside shots. It's almost like a Korean style where they drive and kick so our main focus will be on defense. They are no pushover team," said Alas.
Alas is also banking on his locals to stop KL's Filipino players in former UE Red Warriors' Rudy Lingganay and Fhadzmir "Toto" Bandaying along with one-time Adamson Falcon Roel Hugnatan.
Of the three, Lingganay has been a huge revelation, averaging 12.1 points on 43 percent shooting.
Alas is expected to put Jaypee Alcaraz and Warren Ybanez to neutralize the wily guard.
"He (Lingganay) is really gaining a lot of confidence from playing in Malaysia so we have to rely on our guards to control him," said Alas.
The import match-up is equally exciting with former PBA Best Import winner Gabe Freeman and Jason Dixon going up against KL’s Cameroonian Chris Kuete and Jamal Brown.
On Freeman, Romero said: “No wonder he’s one of the most sought after imports in the PBA. He’s so talented, he can shoot, jump and defend.”
“But more importantly, he’s a good leader. He’s a perfect partner of our other import is rock solid in the shaded lane,” Romero added.
Source: Jonas Terrado | Manila Bulletin
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