INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines Patriots avenged their worst setback in the Asean Basketball League Monday.

Hustling defensively, the Patriots roared to a convincing 70-56 triumph against the Brunei Barracudas last night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

"We played very good defense," said Patriots coach Louie Alas. "I told the team that if we compete with Brunei in a shootout, we're bound to lose. And it's good that we gave up only 22 points in the first half."

Jason Dixon registered his seventh straight double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds as the Patriots strengthened their hold of the top spot with a 9-2 record.

Fil-Am Rob Wainwright also delivered his best game,knocking in nine of his 16 points from beyond the arc, including a key triple after the Barracudas trimmed the lead to 61-52 late in the fourth quarter.

"He was bound to hit those three-pointers after struggling the last few games," said Alas as the Patriots avenged their embarrassing 25-point loss to the Barracudas, 95-70, last Dec. 13 at the Brunei Indoor Stadium.

The Barracudas, mentored by Filipino Bong Ramos, dropped to a share of fourth at 4-6.

Wainwright shot a perfect 4-of-4 from the field for 10 points in the first half to underscore the Patriots' impressive 50 percent shooting.

Triples by Wainwright and Elmer Espiritu pushed the Patriots ahead at 32-16 then stretched this to 20 points at halftime, 42-22.

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

The scores:
PHILIPPINES 70?Dixon 17, Wainwright 16, Powell 10, Gaco 8, Baguion 5, Espiritu 5, Mirza 4, Baclao 2, Alcaraz 2, Ybañez 1, Daa 0, Sta. Maria 0.

BRUNEI 56?Larry 22, Adriano 13, Pilgrim 8, Camaso 6, Avenido 5, Sim 2, Lim 0.
Quarters: 18-9, 42-22, 53-41, 70-56