Indonesia vs Philippines in ABL finals

SATRIA Muda BritAma of Indonesia will square off with the Philippine Patriots in the finals of the 1st Asean Basketball League after upsetting Singapore Slingers, 86-76, in Sunday’s rubber match of their semifinal showdown at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Nakiea Miller unloaded 11 of his 24 points in the final period as visiting Satria Muda BritAma outscored the Slingers, 24-14, in the last 10 minutes to complete a 2-1 series win.

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The Indonesian team will play the top team Patriots in the best-of-five championship series with the Filipinos enjoying homecourt advantage. The first two games will be played on February 12 and 17 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

“I was really expecting the Indonesian team to win because their play is similar to how the Filipinos play, having gotten the services of top Filipino coaches like David Zamar and Bong Ramos,” said Patriots coach Louie Alas.

The Patriots enjoys a one-week break after sweeping the Kuala Lumpur Dragons in the semis but the team has been regularly practicing, particularly on shooting as they anticipate a tough match with the Indonesian team.

“They are big and strong and can run like us. I really expect a tough outing against them," said Alas.

Import Alexander Hartman exploded with 30 big points for Satria Muda BritAma, doing the most damage in the first half in which the visiting team vaulted a 47-42 advantage.

“Well, we have to contain him. I believe our defense can help us win this game,” said Patriots’ import Gabe Freeman in a forum Tuesday.

For his part, team owner Mikee Romero saw an “emotional” finals series ahead.

“We have an intense rivalry with Indonesia dating back our days in the SEABA Club Championship, so I expect the series to be an emotional one. But I have strong faith in our boys, we’re determined to win the first-ever title of the tournament,” said Romero.

Amin Prihantono and Mario Wuysang added 13 and 12 points for the Indons, who shot a respectable 48 percent from the field (28 out of 58) including a 12-of-24 shooting from the three point line.

But the Slingers shot a miserable 30 percent (30-of-76) with imports Jeffers (19 points) and LeBlanc (15), combining for a dismal 13-of-34 shooting. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)