Game Sunday (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City)

6 p.m. AirAsia PH Patriots

vs Westports Malaysia

MANILA, Philippines — The AirAsia Philippine Patriots try to keep their winning form when they battle the formidable Westports Malaysia Dragons tonight in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Buoyed by two consecutive victories at home, the Patriots aim to complete their three-game homestand with a victory but should expect a tough clash with the Dragons in the 6 p.m. game presented by PG Flex Linoleum.

Coach Glenn Capacio is hoping that his squad would come out strong after overcoming a sluggish game on Wednesday for a 76-62 victory over the winless expansion team Saigon Heat.

"I think we can match-up with them because they're not that big but they have quality locals and good Filipino imports so it's going to be a good game," said Capacio, whose team is tied with Malaysia for second at 3-1.

Imports Anthony Johnson and Nakiea Miller have been leading the team co-owned by Mikee Romero and Tony Boy Cojuangco but the locals have picked up their game since losing to San Miguel in the second game of the season.

Among the consistent locals are Al Vergara, Ardy Larong and Jonathan Fernandez while big men Angel Raymundo and Erick Rodriguez were solid despite the absence of an injured Aldrech Ramos during wins over the Indonesia Warriors and the Heat.

The Dragons are out to bounce back from a stinging 63-60 loss to the Bangkok Cobras last Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur.

Returning to his native land for the first time since taking over the team, Malaysia coach Ariel Vanguardia will lean on former Talk N' Text import Tiras Wade, Brian Williams, ex-PBA cager Nic Belasco, Patrick Cabahug, Chris Pacana and Guga Batumalai.

"I consider them the deepest team in the league. We really have to dig deep if we are to steal a game in their homecourt," said Vanguardia.

The winner will put themselves within distance of the Jobstreet.com Singapore Slingers for the lead. The Slingers, carrying a 4-1 record, battle the defending champion Chang Thailand Slammers Sunday in Bangkok.