THE AirAsia Philippine Patriots hope to build on their previous win when they take on the Westport Malaysia Dragons today in the ASEAN Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Patriots snapped their two-game losing skid earlier in the week and expect to have their hands full against the Brian Williams-led Dragons who have won their last two games – thanks to the brilliant all-around performance of Williams and his frontcourt buddy Tiras Wade.
Both Williams and Wade fell two assists shy of the first ever triple-double in the ABL with Wade finishing with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists while Williams had 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists. Patrick Cabahug, the Filipino import of the Dragons, should also be a marked man when they clash at 7 p.m.
With a 14-4 record, the Patriots are already assured of a spot in the semis but hope to gain some more momentum heading to the next round. Aside from imports Anthony Johnson and Nakiea Miller, the Patriots are looking forward to another solid performance from veteran guard Al Vergara who stood like a giant the last time. The 5-foot-7 Vergara highlighted his 11-point, 6-assist and 4-steal show with a triple that all but took the fight out of the Saigon Heat. /Correspondent Jonas Paneiro