Dragons hope to breathe fire against Slammers

PETALING JAYA: The Westports Malaysia Dragons will be looking to continue their fine start to the new season of the Asean Basketball League (ABL) when they take on winless Chang Thailand Slammers in Bangkok today.

The Dragons were flawless in defence in their opening match, beating Saigon Heat 80-70 in Ho Chi Minh City last week.

After seeing their defence crumble so many times last season, the Dragons appeared to have found a solution this time as they shot confidently early on before holding on with a stout defensive line.

“Our defence was the key. We stuck to the game plan and we basically won the game by preventing our opponents from scoring,” said Dragons captain B. Guganeswaran.

The red-hot Dragons, powered by former NBA player Cedric Bozeman, are now favourites to beat 2011 champions Slammers.

The Slammers had a dismal outing last season, finishing bottom of the eight-team league.

And their poor form continued into the new season. In the opening match, the Slammers went down 56-50 to Singapore Slingers last week. They suffered their second defeat on Wednesday, losing 77-75 to the Heat at home.

The Slammers are now bottom of the six-team league.

Dragons head coach Ariel Vanguardia, however, has told his players not to underestimate the Slammers as the Thai side have a talented point guard in Filipino Froilan Baguion.

Baguion has already dished out 17 assists this season. Against the Heat, Baguion had a hand in 21 of his team’s 32 field goals.

“The Slammers played a lot better in their second game against the Heat. Baguion is a dangerous player and he is the one we need to control. We can’t allow him to dictate the game,” said Vanguardia.