COACH Louie Alas of the Philippine Patriots will aim for a win over the Singapore Slingers in their second meeting at the Asean Basketball League (ABL).

The Singapore team defeated the Patriots, 74-69, in their last encounter with its center Kyle Jeffers giving in 17 points and 12 rebounds.

"The Manny Pacquiao Blog". Click here for stories and updates on the Filipino boxing champ.

The Slingers continued their winning streak beating Indonesia's Satria Muda BritAma, 96-72, last November 1 and now holds a 4-0 record.

Coach Alas said it will be a “close game” on Saturday when they meet 4 p.m. at the San Juan Arena.

“Imports will cancel out so the locals' performances will be crucial,” added Alas.

The head coach also confirmed that Nonoy Baclao, who then played for the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, will play on Saturday despite his reported hamstring injuries.

Bacolod's pride Baclao played an important role when his team beat the Thailand Tigers in their last game with seven points, five rebounds, and five blocks.

Alas said the performance of Baclao, University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) recruit Elmer Espiritu, Froilan Baguion, and Warren Ybanez will be crucial in their game against the Slingers.

The Pinoy squad will implement minor adjustments in substitution pattern and match up to take down the Slingers.

The ABL tournament played by six clubs from Southeast Asian nations uses a home-and-away format.

After the Slingers, the Patriots will head to the Maba Stadium in Malaysia on November 14 to take on the Kuala Lumpur Dragons. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)