RP Patriots, Slammers vie for solo ABL lead

JASON DIXON stamped his class during the Philippine Patriots’ championship run last season with a string of double-double games.   This time, coach Louie Alas wants none of that dominance when the Patriots dispute the solo lead against Dixon and the Chang Thailand Slammers in the AirAsia Asean Basketball League Saturday night in Bangkok.   The former cellar-dwelling Slammers turned their campaign around this year by snagging arguably two of the league’s best imports in Cameroonian Chris Kuete and Dixon, the burly American who copped the Best Import plum with the Patriots last season.   “We have to play more consistently to stop Kuete because he’s been playing really well,” said Alas. “And we also know how good Jason Dixon plays at the post.”   The Patriots and the Slammers, both at 3-0, take the floor at 8 p.m. at the Nimibutr National Stadium.   Although Anthony Johnson will suit up anew for the Patriots, Alas said the 6-foot-6 American import isn’t in top shape after missing their last two games due to a hamstring injury.   “AJ will be back but he can’t play 100 percent,” said Alas.   Despite missing Johnson, the Patriots pulled off back-to-back thrillers against the Singapore Slingers and the Brunei Barracudas.   Kuete averages a league-best 25.3 points, while Dixon norms 15.7 points and 11 rebounds for the Slammers.