Phl Patriots scuttle Dragons in Game 1

MANILA, Philippines - Import Gabe Freeman fell short of a triple double performance but succeeded in leading AirAsia Philippines to an 88-83 victory over Kuala Lumpur last night as the Patriots moved a win closer to a return trip to the finals in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The 6-foot-5 Freeman exploded for 36 points, including seven straight in the final quarter that saw the Patriots pull away at 82-73, with 2:53 remaining in the contest. The former PBA Best Import awardee also hauled down 11 rebounds and dished off seven assists in Game 1 of their best-of-three semis series.

Freeman also held Justine Leith to just one free throw after leading the fight for the Dragons in the middle quarters where the visiting team seized a 51-49 lead.

Leith shot 25 points after the third period.

“Gabe was really inspired today, he was fantastic,” said coach Louie Alas. “Defensively he was awesome in the final period.”

The defending champions can wrap up the series with another win on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur.

Despite the win, Alas stressed the need to toughen up on defense, saying: “The Dragons are really tough, you have to give your best against them.”

The Dragons, who dealt the Patriots their worst beating, 92-74, two weeks ago, actually struck back to within, 83-86, on a three-point play and a triple by Nakiea Miller.

But the Patriots, co-owned by Mikee Romero and Tony Boy Cojuangco, hung tough in the closing seconds to pound out the victory.