Patriots lose temper, game vs SMB

AIRASIA PHILIPPINE Patriots import Anthony Johnson blew his top and in turn, his team blew the game as the league-leaders succumbed to the San Miguel Beermen, 66-68, in a tense and physical matchup in the AirAsia Asean Basketball League Sunday night at the Arena in San Juan.

Johnson reacted to a foul that was given to him by SMB guard Aries Dimaunahan, with the Patriots still on top, 50-46. That triggered a melee that emptied both benches. When the dust settled, both Johnson and Dimaunahan were ejected from the match.

The Patriots’ loss was clearly the Beermen’s gain especially in crunchtime, where the Patriots succumbed to the pressure without Johnson.

Leo Avenido paced the winners with 17 markers while Jarrid Famous made up for his lackluster outing in the last game with 13 points. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio