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THE Philippine Patriots' drive for another win in the inaugural season of the ASEAN Basketball League was given a slight damper with the injuries sustained by key players Nonoy Baclao and Christian Coronel.
Both players might be missing this weekend's grudge match against the league-leading Singapore Slingers after sustaining hamstring injuries. Coronel, who provides stability at the backcourt, remains doubtful starter while the case of the 6-foot-4 Baclao is day-to-day.
The Patriots especially need the frontcourt presence of Baclao, who helped Ateneo win back-to-back UAAP championships.
He debuted mightily for the Patriots by tallying seven points, five rebounds and five bocks in the their 74-61 win over the Thailand Tigers last Oct. 24.
In spite of the injuries, the Patriots remain optimistic of their chances to get back at the Slingers, who defeated them, 69-74, in their first encounter at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The Slingers roared to their fourth straight win by thumping the Indons, 96-72, to remain the only unbeaten team in the six-nation tournament using a home-and-away format. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio
