Patriots keep lead in ABL

MANILA, Philippines - The AirAsia Philippine Patriots toughened up on defense in the third quarter as they smothered the defending champion Chang Thailand Slammers, 89-68, for their fifth straight win in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City over the weekend.

The Patriots used their full court press to stymie the Slammers with reserves Eder Saldua and Eddie Laure combining on the other end to spark a big 14-0 run en route to a 46-33 lead just three minutes into the third period.

Imports Anthony Johnson and Nakiea Miller then took over as the Patriots, co-owned by Mikee Romero and Tony Boy Cojuangco, pulled away to post their 12th win against two losses to remain on top of the eight-team field.

“We were sluggish at the start but we responded well in the second half,” said coach Glenn Capacio. “We went to our full court press and luckily they didn’t make any adjustments. If we play good defense, we can do a lot on offense.”

Johnson had 23 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals while Miller overcame a mild ankle sprain in the second half for 17 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.

The Slammers, who fell to 5-10, failed to make adjustment on the Patriots’ stifling defense that forced a series of turnovers. 

Saldua had seven points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals while Laure made six points, two rebounds, four assists and a steal. The duo also figured in an altercation with Chang Thailand American imports Chris Garnett and Calvin Williams in the second half.

Guard Kiko Adriano, playing his first game on home soil, added eight points for the Patriots.

Williams led the Slammers with 27 points, 20 rebounds, six assists and four blocks.