Thailand import Jason Dixon fouled out but the Philippines failed to capitalize on the lucky break as the Slammers dealt the Patriots their first home-game loss, 69-68, in the AirAsia Asean Basketball League Saturday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The heartbreaker snapped the Patriots’ record 14 straight homecourt victories set since the inaugural of the six-nation tournament last year.
It also left the defending champions sharing the top spot with the Slammers for the first time this season at 6-2.
The Patriots still had a chance to take the game, but veteran guard Warren Ybañez missed on a drive in the dwindling seconds.
Patriots coach Louie Alas said the final play was actually for American import Donald Little, who led with 18 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks.
“Our last play was for Donald and everything happened (on that play) except the pass,” said Alas after the Slammers avenged their 54-48 loss against the Patriots last month.
Thailand’s backup guard Sopon Pinitpatcharalert nailed the decisive triple with 1:39 minutes left that shattered the deadlock at 66.
Dixon, who played a key role in the Patriots’ title run last season to cop the Best Import award, fouled out with still three minutes remaining.
Chito Jaime, who scored on a finger roll that trimmed the deficit to a point, wrapped up his best game for the Patriots with 17 points and seven rebounds.
Other import Rasheim Wright, though, struggled after sustaining a hamstring injury in his debut with the Patriots last week.
Wright, an American who starred for the Jordan national team as a naturalized player, finished with only seven points on a 2-of-10 shooting.