MANILA, Philippines – Anthony Johnson delivered huge numbers and got ample support from his local teammates as the AirAsia Philippine Patriots downed the Indonesia Warriors, 86-73, to grab a share of second in the Asean Basketball League Saturday at the San Juan gym.
“This is a much better game than the last, especially defensively,” said coach Glenn Capacio after the Patriots joined the Singapore Slingers at 2-1.
Nakiea Miller also posted a double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds for the Patriots, who rebounded from a 70-78 setback to San Miguel last week.
San Miguel, the other Philippine squad competing in the eight-team league, also tries to forge a three-way tie at second against the defending champion Chang Thailand Slammers at 3 p.m. (4 p.m. in Manila) today at the Thai Japanese Association Gym in Bangkok.
Capacio credited the defensive efforts of Angel Raymundo and Rob Wainwright, who helped limit Steve Thomas, Indonesia’s typically explosive import, to just 16 points.
“I’m happy with the locals, they played well against Thomas,” said Capacio. “They defended him well down the post. Our only problem was (Mario) Wuysang, he was making his shots.”
Wuysang, last season’s MVP, drilled 18 of his 24 points from three-point range to help keep the Warriors in the game, 75-68, with still four minutes to go.
But Al Vergara, who finished with 14 markers, responded with five straight points to fuel the Patriots’ endgame breakaway. The Patriots were without Smart Gilas mainstay Aldrech Ramos, who sustained an ankle sprain.
The score:
AIRASIA PHILIPPINES 86—Johnson 33, Miller 19, Vergara 14, Larong 11, Raymundo 4, Wainwright 3, Laure 2, Ybañez 0, Fernandez 0, Saldua 0, Arellano 0, Rodriguez 0.
INDONESIA 73—Wuysang 24, Thomas 16, Smith 16, Prihantono 10, Sta. Cruz 4, Cañada 3, Ricafuente 0, Gunawan 0.
Quarters: 17-15, 37-35, 62-56, 86-73