Patriots get back at Barracudas

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Patriots got back at the Brunei Barracudas, fashioning out a 70-56 rout in the first ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Championship at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig late Monday.

The Patriots toughened up on defense and virtually settled the outcome right in the first half, holding the Barracudas to 22 points while pouring in 42 points of their own to coast to the victory and avenge their 25-point loss to the Barracudas in Brunei two weeks ago.

“We played very good defense,” said Patriots coach Louie Alas. “I told the team that if we compete with the Barracudas in a shootout, we’re bound to lose. And it’s good that we gave up only 22 points in the first half. It’s a sweet revenge.”

With the win, the Patriots, co-owned by Harbour Centre CEO and president Mikee Romero and businessman Tonyboy Cojuangco, hiked their record to 9-2 and boosted their bid for the No. 1 seeding in the Final Four.

Meantime, the home-and-away tournament takes a two-week yuletide break.

In what could be his best game since the team’s inaugural win over the Satria Muda BritAma of Indonesia last Oct. 10, Rob Wainwright went four-for-four from the three-point area and finished with 16 points.

“He was bound to hit those three-pointers after struggling the last few games,” said Alas as the Patriots avenged their 95-70 loss last Dec. 13 at the Brunei Indoor Stadium.

Import Jason Dixon re-imposed his strength in the shaded lane as he posted his seventh straight double-double game with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

The Barracudas, mentored by Filipino Bong Ramos, slipped to joint fourth at 4-6.

Wainwright scattered 10 points in the first half to underscore the Patriots’ impressive shooting where they posted a 50 percent shooting clip.

With Wainwright and Elmer Espiritu knocking down a triple each, the Patriots surged ahead, 32-16. They padded this to 20 at halftime.

Brunei’s Filipino imports Don Camaso, Kiko Adriano and Leo Avenido were limited to a combined 24 points after the trio teamed up for 49 points when the Barracudas snapped the Patriots’ league-best six-game winning streak.