ABL: Patriots eye piece of 2nd vs Warriors

MANILA, Philippines — Hoping to fix the weakness exposed from their first loss, the AirAsia Philippine Patriots try to regroup against the Indonesia Warriors in the Asean Basketball League Season 3 Saturday.

“We need to have a good start,” said Patriots coach Glenn Capacio. “To do that, we have to be aggressive and shoot the ball well.”

The Patriots, who dropped a 70-78 decision to fellow Philippine squad San Miguel last week, go for a share of second in the 4 p.m. home game presented by PG Flex Linoleum at the San Juan gym.

Over in Bangkok, the Beermen gun for back-to-back wins against defending champion Chang Thailand Slammers at 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Thai Japanese Association Gym.

Capacio said the Patriots need to draw big games from local players led by Aldrech Ramos, the former Smart Gilas mainstay who had a measly five points in their first game.

“We can’t rely forever on our imports,” said Capacio.

American reinforcements Anthony Johnson and Nakiea Miller fueled the Patriots to a 1-1 start, the same record toted by the Beermen, the Warriors and the Bangkok Cobras.

Westports Malaysia Dragons lead the field at 2-0, followed by the Singapore Slingers at 2-1.

Bannered by last season’s MVP Mario Wuysang, the Warriors also boast of former Patriots import Steve Thomas and Filipino imports Jerick Cañada, Harold Sta. Cruz and Ricky Ricafuente.