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Source: abs-cbnnews.com

-- The Philippine Patriots remained the No. 1 squad in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) despite losing to the Brunei Barracudas, 70-95, on Sunday.

The Patriots, who have 7 wins and 2 losses (16 points), were not in full force when they met the Barracudas for the first time at the Brunei Indoor Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, the ABL website reported.

Nonoy Baclao played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) finals decider game on Sunday against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamarawas. Baclao and his teammates got past FEU in the best-of-three series to take the PCCL crown.

Elmer Espiritu, on the other hand, was sidelined by a broken cheekbone.

Jason Dixon and Dino Daa led the Patriots with 14 points and 10 points, respectively, while Reggie Larry and Michael Pilgrim bannered the Barracudas with 20 points apiece. Celedon Camaso and Leonidaz Avenido contributed 18 points each for the Barracudas.

The Patriots and Barracudas were supposed to face off on October 31 but their game was postponed due to Typhoon “Santi” (international code name Mirinae). Their game was moved to December 21 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Meanwhile, the Barracudas’ victory on Sunday improved their standing to No. 4 with 4 wins and 5 defeats (13 points).

Indonesia’s Satria Muda BritAma trails the Patriots at No. 2 with a 5-5 win-loss record (15 points). Former top team Singapore Slingers slid to No. 3 with 5 wins and 4 losses (14 points).

Malaysia’s KL Dragons are currently in 5th place with 4 wins and 5 losses (13 points) while the Thailand Tigers are at the 6th spot with 3 wins and 7 losses (13 points). The top 4 teams will advance to the ABL playoffs next year.