Phl Patriots enlist former Ginebra import

MANILA, Philippines - Chris Alexander returns to the local hoops scene tonight as he suits up for the AirAsia Philippine Patriots in their blockbuster clash with arch rival San Miguel Beermen at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The 7-foot-1 Alexander, an ex-Barangay Ginebra import in the PBA, arrived early yesterday in time for the league-leading Patriots’ keenly-awaited duel with the second running Beermen.

Gametime is at 6 p.m.

With Alexander, the Patriots hope to finally get back at the Beermen, who have beaten them in their first two faceoffs.

Still, the Patriots continue to lord it over the field with a 13-2 although the Beermen are within striking distance at 12-4.

“We haven’t won against San Miguel and we want to prove that we can beat them,” said coach Glenn Capacio.

Alexander takes over reigning Best Import Nakiea Miller and is expected to provide the Patriots the much-needed inside presence.

“We’re going to make a few adjustments but we hope that he makes an immediate impact,” said Capacio of Alexander.

The Beermen humbled the Patriots, 78-70, in their first meeting then hacked out a thrilling 68-66 win in a fight-marred contest last March 4.

The two teams made key moves over the past month to strengthen their respective title bids with the Patriots also tapping veteran guard Kiko Adriano and the Beermen signing up Roger Yap and ex-PBA reinforcements Nick Fazekas and Duke Crews.

SMB will also parade guard Chris Banchero for the first time this season. Hounded by passport problems, the league recently gave the Fil-Am cager from Seattle the green light to play.