Patriots log third straight victory in ABL tourney

The AirAsia Philippine Patriots are on a roll now as they claimed their third straight victory after defeating the Westport Malaysia Dragons, 86-72, in the 3rd Asean Basketball League late Saturday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Patriots used a stellar second quarter, including a 15-2 run to end the half, to earn the win. They hiked their win-loss record to 4-1 before they face the Jobstreet.com Singapore Slingers on Feb. 12 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Imports Anthony Johnson and Nakiea Miller provided their usual numbers, but it was Al Vergara’s leadership that was key for the Patriots.

Vergara, who will be facing his old team Singapore next week, had 13 points and 12 assists against the Dragons to provide the local support to the team.

The Dragons, coached by Filipino Ariel Vanguardia, fell to their second consecutive defeat following a 3-0 start to the season. They lost on the road to the Bangkok Cobras last Wednesday.

Johnson had 27 points, 12 rebounds and four steals while Miller had 21 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks. They also helped on defense holding Malaysia imports Tiras Wade and Brian Williams to a combined 39 markers.

The Patriots continued to pour it on in the third period, holding the Dragons to two field goals in the first five minutes of the quarter. AirAsia Philippines eventually led by 30 points, 67-37, before Malaysia dwindled the deficit in the fourth period.

BOX  SCORES:

PATRIOTS 86 — Johnson 27, Miller 21, Vergara 13, Fernandez 7, Larong 6, Laure 4, Rodriguez 4, Ybanez 2, Raymundo 2, Wainwright 0, Saldua 0, Juntilla 0.

DRAGONS 72 — Williams 23, Wade 16, Cabahug 10, Ng 5, Kwaan 4, Loh 4, Batumalai 3, Pacana 3, Belasco 2, Lau 2, Kuek 0, Kuppusamy 0./Correspondent Jonas Panerio