Patriots face tough test vs Dragons

MANILA, Philippines - The AirAsia Philippine Patriots go for a sweep of their three-game, 10-day road trip today when they battle the Westports Malaysia Dragons in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League at MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Coming off big victories in Indonesia and Vietnam for a league-best 9-2 record, the Patriots hope to repeat over the skidding Dragons in what could be their biggest test starting at 3 p.m.

The Patriots slew the Dragons, 86-72, the first time they clashed at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City but they are expected to encounter stiff resistance this time with the Dragons hard pressed to come up with a win and stay within striking distance of the Philippine teams.

The Patriots continue to pace the field with the San Miguel Beermen just half-a-game behind at 9-3 and the Dragons at third with a 7-4 mark.

While the Patriots are on a roll, the Dragons are on a skid, losing their last two games against the Saigon Heat and the Bangkok Cobras.

“They’re coming off back-to-back losses and they will try to stop their skid, especially they’ll be playing at their homecourt,” said Patriots coach Glenn Capacio.

Import Anthony Johnson and Ardy Larong finally suit up for the Patriots after missing the team’s game last Wednesday due to suspension. Still, the league’s inaugural champions beat the Heat, 73-57, as Kiko Adriano and Al Vergara took over in the payoff period to secure the win in Ho Chi Minh City.

Since debuting in the 72-68 win over the Indonesia Warriors in Jakarta last week, Adriano has dished out big games for the Patriot, firing 15 points against the Heat.

He is again expected to play a key role against the Dragons, who will be led by former PBA import Tiras Wade, Brian Williams and top Filipino cagers Patrick Cabahug, Nic Belasco and Guga Batumalai with ex-JRU mentor Ariel Vanguardia as coach.