THE AIRASIA Philippine Patriots will try to solidify their grip of the top spot in the standings when they host the reigning champions Chang Thailand Slammers today in the Asean Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The Patriots currently top the field with an 11-2 (win-loss) record but could not afford to be complacent, especially with the San Miguel Beermen nipping at their heels with their 10-4 record.
The Beermen are also playing today over at the Mahaka Square in Jakarta, Indonesia, where they will be facing off against the Indonesia Warriors.
The Beermen are also coming into the match with a brand-new import in former Rain or Shine reinforcement Duke Crews, who replaced Dalron Johnson.
The Patriots are back in the confines of their home floor after playing their last four games on the road.
They came away without a loss on that road trip, which was capped off by a scintillating 82-70 win over the Singapore Slingers.
Imports Anthony Johnson and Nakiea Miller produced their usual impressive numbers in their win over the Slingers, but head coach Glenn Capacio reserved his biggest praise to his locals Aldrech Ramos, Angelus Raymundo, Francis Adriano and Al Vergara, who took turns to help their team win in that four-game stretch.
The Patriots must keep an eye on Slammers import Calvin Williams, who lit up the Westport Malaysia Dragons for 28 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks in leading the Slammers (5-9) to an 80-69 win. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio