Patriots shoot for 3rd win in ASEAN Basketball League

The Philippine Patriots shoot for a third straight win in the 3rd ASEAN Basketball League when they collide with last year's semis rival Westports Malaysia Dragons on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The Patriots, who played with poise and sharpness in a 76-62 win over the Saigon Heat, are slightly favored against the Dragons. Both teams carry a 3-1 card, just half-a-game behind the league-leading Singapore Slingers (4-1). And like in their semis series last year, the Patriots-Dragons 6 p.m. showdown is expected to be a tense and rugged one. Even Patriots coach Glenn Capacio see a down-the-wire battle, saying the Dragons have a much better personnel now than last year when they swept the Malaysians in the best-of-three semis series. "This game will test the true character of my boys," said Capacio. Capacio added that they need to tighten up their defense if they want to tie Slingers for the lead. "We can't rely much on our imports most of the time, so they (locals) should rise to the challenge," said Capacio, who expects the Dragons to play much tougher this time after absorbing a 73-70 defeat to the Bangkok Cobras. Imports Nakiea Miller and Anthony Johnson are again expected to lead the Patriots with locals Al Vergara, Reed Juntilla, Rob Wainwright, Ardy Larong and Jonathan Fernandez providing support. Former PBA import Tiras Wade and frontcourt partner Brian Williams will banner the Dragons, who are being handled by former Jose Rizal University coach Ariel Vanguardia. — JVP, GMA News