Patriots out to extend streak vs Slammers

MANILA, Philippines - League-leading AirAsia Philippine Patriots seek to put more distance between themselves and their closest pursuers when they host defending champion Chang Thailand Slammers in the third AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) presented by PG Flex Linoleum at the Ynares Sports Arena today.

On a four-game roll, the Patriots gun for their 12th win in 14 games in the 6 p.m. PG Flex Linoneum home game as the race for the final four cranks up.

Breathing down their necks are San Miguel Beermen (10-4), who look to stay within striking distance as they parade a new import in Duke Crews in going for win No. 12 against Indonesia Warriors over in Jakarta.

Everybody is out to stop us. That’s the reason why we can’t take easy going into the final round, we have to remain focused and stay hot,” said Patriots coach Glenn Capacio.

The team co-owned by Mikee Romero and Tony Boy Cojuangco is playing its first home game since going on the road the last four outings, the last of which resulted in a 82-70 drubbing of the Singapore Slingers.

“We have to balance our rotation so that the players can sustain their energy,” said Capacio, who exhorted his locals to support imports Anthony Johnson and Nakiea Miller against the Slammers team (5-9) out to revive its semis hopes.

The Beermen, meanwhile, eye redemption after a sorry 63-66 loss to Saigon Heat that snapped their five-game win streak.

“I think they got the message that you gotta come out, you gotta work for victory every night,” said coach Bobby Parks.

The former many-time PBA Best Import hopes to get more from Jarrid Famous and new import Crews, who replaced of Dalron Johnson. Crews who averaged 27 points and 15.4 rebounds per game for Rain or Shine.

“When I look at it, it all boils down to import. As a former import myself, I know you gotta carry the team when all’s said and done in an import-laced tournament,” he said.