Patriots eye semis playoff vs Cobras

MANILA, Philippines - Front-running AirAsia Philippine Patriots seek to secure a playoff for a Final Four slot in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League as they go on the road against the Bangkok Cobras in a Holy Wednesday encounter at the Chulalongkorn University gym in Thailand.

Although enjoying a five-game streak and a 2-0 head-to-head edge against the Cobras, the Patriots (12-2) are taking a “business-as-usual” approach in the 6 p.m. game (7 p.m. in Manila) against the Cobras (5-8), a team out to keep its semis hopes alive.

“We can’t take them for granted now, they have improved tremendously and they know our basketball,” said Patriots coach Glenn Capacio as they try to close in on a semis playoff.

The team co-owned by businessmen Tony Boy Cojuangco and Mikee Romero of Harbour Centre trampled the Cobras the first time around, 86-58, but needed a strong fourth-quarter assault before taking Round 2, 80-72.

“That’s the reason why we need to be extra careful. We still need to play our best,” said Capacio.

Imports Anthony Johnson (24.21 ppg, 7.85 rpg) and Nakiea Miller (16.21 ppg, 11.93 rpg, 2.36 bpg) are expected to give their usual production but locals like veteran Al Vergara, Jonathan Fernandez and Aldrech Ramos will have to provide sufficient support like they did the second time against Bangkok.

“We need a total team effort since we are nearing the playoff round. We can’t afford to relax,” said team manager Erick Arejola, adding: “We should go the playoff round with a positive mode.”

Arejola added that the gig with the Cobras should serve as good workout for their much-awaited return engagement with rival San Miguel Beermen on April 14.

The Cobras, meanwhile, go into the game with fresher legs, having been on a break since their 67-74 setback to Indonesia Warriors last March 24.