Just got an email from Bob about the loss yesterday...
After defeating the Philippines 74 to 69 in round two of the ABL competition, the Patriots were able to turn the tables on Singapore with a solid 70 to 53 win in Manila. It was our first loss of the ABL season although the Slingers still sit on top of the League. Make sure you put Wednesday, January 6th in your calendar as the Slingers will host the Philippines in the tiebreaker of their series.
Coach Frank Aresgo had plenty to deal with even before the game got underway. Starting point guard Al Vergara was doubtful right up until game time with an injury sustained in the win over Indonesia last week. Al had a bruised knee but decided although he was not at 100% he wanted to play in front of his family and friends. His on court presence was also important as backup point guard Wei Long was diagnosed with chicken pox the night before the game and could not take the court. He will have to stay in Manila until early this week. His teammate Wai Sian was also diagnosed with chicken pox and could not take the court. Coach Arsego was already shorthanded with the unavailability of Steven Khoo who was on National Service duties.
The Slingers will now turn their attention to Indonesia to try and get back on the winning track with an away game on Saturday, the 14th. We will also try and get everyone healthy! Singapore had a solid 96 to 72 win over Satria Muda last week but with the home court advantage no doubt Indonesia will be out to avenge their embarrassing loss.
The Slingers next home game is against arch rivals KL Dragons. It is Singapore VS. Malaysia so spread the word to keep building the crowds. Let’s Roar Singapore!
Go Slingers!
Bob
So we lost the game due to a lack of players, but the crap talking still goes on in the Facebook ABL fan page. You can see fans going at each other. It is easy to get carried away because fans are often a passionate bunch, and seriously I welcome a good flurry of "healthy" exchanges, especially when it doesn't involve contact and its all just words. I remembered reading that Michael Jordan often cut out news clippings on journalists criticising his games, and pasting on his locker to remind him, to drive him and to piss him. We all have our own ways of getting motivations. So I say remember the losses and use it to our advantage when we next meet the Patriots on 6th Jan!! I hope the crowd will be more than balanced in our favour!
