Import-less Patriots battle Warriors

MANILA, Philippines - AirAsia Phils tries to get back on the winning track as it clashes with Indonesia today in the PG Flex Linoleum presents AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Patriots, coming off a loss to the San Miguel Beermen, trounced the Indonesians in the first two rounds but the hosts remain wary of the visiting squad in their 4 p.m. encounter.

“For us to bounce back, we have to play with lots of energy and passion, we can’t take the Indonesians for granted this time,” said coach Glenn Capacio. “This game is a big test for the boys.”

Aside from a total team effort, the Patriots, who will don a commemorative “Kagitingan” uniform for the first to honor Filipino fighters of World War II, also need luck and crowd support when they face off the Warriors at 4 p.m. since there is a possibility for them to play with only one import.

American Chris Alexander, who was tapped to replace Nakiea Miller, left for the US the other day in a huff.

“I’m so sad, we thought Chris would be the right guy for us, but he also left,” said team manager Erick Arejola. “We need all the support of basketball fans and more luck to hurdle this game.”

With the departure of the 7-foot Alexander, the Patriots re-hired the 6-foot-10 Miller.

Alexander played only one game for the Patriots, who dropped a 78-93 setback to the San Miguel Beermen last Saturday.

Arejola is hoping that ABL officials will allow Miller to play.

“We’re praying that ABL officials will give their go signal for Miller to play,” said Arejola.

The Patriots still lead the field with a 13-3 record but the Beermen are just behind with a 13-4 slate.

Capacio, however, remains upbeat about their chances, saying: “I know how my boys play, they have a big fighting heart. Lalaban ang mga iyan.”

Anthony Johnson should work doubly hard along with locals Aldrech Ramos, Al Vergara, Ardy Larong, Kiko Adriano and Jonathan Fernandez in the hope of dodging the upset bullet.

The Warriors, on the other hand, are coming off a 98-80 win over the Westports Malaysia Dragons.