Game today (San Juan gym)

4 p.m. – PH Patriots vs Indonesia


REDEMPTION will be the battle cry of the AirAsia Philippines Patriots today when they clash with the Indonesia Warriors in the 3rd AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League at the San Juan gym.

Still feeling the pain of a stinging 78-70 defeat to the San Miguel Beermen a week ago, the boys of coach Glenn  Capacio are expected to start strong in their 4 p.m. showdown presented by PG Flex Linoleum.

“We need to have a good start, and to do that, we have to be aggressive and shoot the ball well,” said Capacio. “Against the Indons, we have to be on guard because they know our brand of game and they are also capable of playing tough.”

Capacio said imports Nakiea Miller and Anthony Johnson must also play extraordinary against the team’s former import in 6-foot-10 Steve Thomas to have a better chance of winning.

Thomas’ consistent double-double performance helped the Patriots advance to the Finals for the second straight time last year.

“We have to rotate the ball well and find an open man or go hard for the basket,” said Capacio, who is hoping to get a breakthrough performance from former UAAP star Aldrech Ramos this time.

“Ramos and my other local players must also step up, we can’t rely forever on our imports,” added Capacio.

Also of great importance is their defense which needs a little adjustment after being exposed by the taller and heftier San Miguel squad the last time.

Out to provide additional firepower and stability to the team co-owned by sportsmen Tony Boy Cojuangco and Mikee Romero are veterans Al Vergara, Ardy Larong, Warren Ybanes, Eddie Laure and Reed Juntilla.

Aside from Thomas, the Patriots will have to watch out for the Warriors' other American import in big man Jonathan Smith, former Adamson guard Jerick Canada and ace local Mario Wuysang, last season's Most Valuable Player.

Like the Patriots, the Warriors are also out to rebound following a 93-80 defeat to the Westports Malaysia Dragons – a team bannered by former PBA players Nick Belasco, Patrick Cabahug and Chris Pacana and mentored by Ariel Vanguardia.