ABL: Philippine Patriots drub Westports Malaysia Dragons, 86-72

MANILA, Philippines — Anthony Johnson, Nakiea Miller and Al Vergara each had a double-double as the Philippine Patriots hammered out an 86-72 drubbing of Westports Malaysia Dragons Sunday night in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Johnson led the way with 27 points to go along with 12 rebounds and four steals while Miller finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds.

Vergara added 13 points and 12 assists.

“The key to this game is Anthony johnson limiting  Tiras Wade to his average,” said Patriots coach Glenn Capacio.

“We also dictated the tempo and limited them to 29 points in the first half,” added Capacio.

The Patriots, who notched their fourth win in five outings, pulled away in the second quarter and never looked back.

Carrying their momentum in the first half, the Patriots went into high gear as they opened up the third quarter with a 19-5 blitz to lead, 65-34, on Johnson’s trey at the 3:30 mark that took the fight out of the Dragons.

“I’m also happy that my locals stepped up,” said Capacio.

Brian Williams paced the Dragons with 23 points and 16 rebounds while Wade chipped in with a silent 16-point outing.