BANGKOK, Thailand – Import Anthony Johnson put on a shooting clinic in the second half as the AirAsia Philippine Patriots overcame a sluggish start for a 75-59 rout of the Saigon Heat in the To Be Number One Basketball Challenge Friday at the Nimibutr National Stadium here.
The 6-foot-6 Johnson scattered 24 of his 26 points in the last two quarters to help the Patriots win their opening game in the preseason tournament that will benefit the victims of the massive flood that hit the Thai capital last October.
The win was a big boost for the team co-owned by business tycoon Tony Boy Cojuangco and well-loved sportsman Mikee Romero.
The Patriots and the Slammers were playing at press time for a finals berth in the four-day tournament.
“Nakikita pa rin na hindi pa kami ganun ka-jell as a team. Hopefully we can perform better against Thailand,” said Patriots coach Glen Capacio.
Nakiea Miller, the team’s other import, also acquitted himself well by posting double-double numbers with 15 points and 17 boards while ex-pros Rob Wainwright and Jonathan Fernandez hit outside shots to combine for 17 markers.
Imports Julius Hodge and Jonathan Jones stood at the forefront of the Heat’s bid.
Saigon enjoyed the early initiative before Johnson and the Patriots cranked up to dominate the final half.
“Mas fluid kami nung second half and we were able to run because of our defense,” said Capacio.
Marcy Arellano failed to buy a single basket but his leadership made the difference, according to team manager Erick Arejola.
“He’s our leader out there, our stabilizer,” said Arejola, who is hoping that Aldrech Ramos will come up big against the Thais after scoring only five points versus the Heat.
Hodge paced the Vietnam-based squad with 31 points and 11 rebounds.