Patriots, Beermen out to continue ABL dominance

With both Filipino clubs currently on top of the standings, the AirAsia Philippine Patriots and the San Miguel Beermen are out to maintain the status quo, seeking wins when they see action this Wednesday, in the Asean Basketball League.   The Patriots take on a streaking Saigon Heat team at the Tan Binh Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, while the Beermen are out for revenge on the Jobstreet.com Singapore Slingers, as they face-off on the Beermen's homecourt, the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.   The Glenn Capacio-helmed Patriots are in the midst of a three-game road swing, after beating the Indonesia Warriors 72-68 last Saturday, but the Heat have been red-hot as of late, having won three straight games after a disastrous 0-7 start.   AirAsia will enter the game minus one import, Anthony Johnson, as well as locals Ardy Larong and Erick Rodriguez, as the trio serves a one-game suspension for their brawl against San Miguel last week.   "They have two good imports and we have only one import right now, so it will be difficult to match-up with them," Capacio told reporters.   The Beermen on the other hand, will be trying to extend their own three-game streak. Currently with an 8-3 record, the team relishes the chance to pin a loss on the Slingers in response to an early 71-63 loss to them last February 1.   "We want to get back at them," said San Miguel head coach Bobby Parks.   After a slow start, the Beermen are on the verge of their longest winning streak in their maiden season, and a victory over the Slingers will keep them in step with the AirAsia Philippine Patriots, with the chance to overtake them should they fall in their respective game.   “It’s not how you start but how you finish. Of course, we want to remain close to the top. I think the team was a little bit overconfident this whole year because we won a preseason tournament early. We had to make some adjustments and until now, we are still doing that,” Parks added.   The Beermen will also play without three-point shooter Aries Dimaunahan and reserve forward Jun Cabatu for their part in the brawl against the Patriots. - AMD, GMA News