(Photo 1 © Low Sze Sen/Red Sports)
The AirAsia Philippine Patriots and San Miguel Beermen both survived a slow start to keep the top two spots with separate road game wins last night in the Asean Basketball League.
With Anthony Johnson fueling a second-half drive, the Patriots battled back from a double-digit deficit to down defending champion Thailand Slammers, 81-72, at the Thai Japanese Association Gym in Bangkok.
The Patriots streaked to their fifth straight triumph to stay on top with a 6-1 record.
In Jakarta, San Miguel rode a sizzling fourth quarter as the Beermen repulsed the Indonesia Warriors, 77-61, to claim solo second (5-2) at the Mahaka Square.
Doug Thomas banged in a game-high 23 points for the Beermen, who launched a 15-5 breakaway in the final period that turned a slim 57-52 lead to 72-57.
The Beermen pulled away for good at the start of the final quarter by drilling three straight triples, two coming from Allan Mangahas.
Johnson finished a rebound shy of a double-double with 21 points and nine boards for the Patriots.
Nakiea Miller had 14 markers, while Al Vergara sustained his strong play with 12 points and a game-high eight assists.