Beermen, Patriots duel in ABL final

BANGKOK – The AirAsia Philippine Patriots drew another big game from import Anthony Johnson and veteran Ardy Larong to beat the host country, 67-54, and arrange a showdown with San Miguel Beer for the “To Be Number One Basketball Challenge” crown here Saturday.

Like in their 75-59 win over the Saigon Heat, the Patriots needed a big second quarter charge behind Johnson and fellow import Nakeia Miller to take the fight out of the Thais and complete a two-game sweep of their group elims.

Co-owned by Tony Boy Cojuangco and Mikee Romero, the Patriots were playing against the San Miguel Beermen for the title at presstime.

The Beermen, getting another big lift from Fil-Am Chris Banchero, also finished with a 2-0 record after outlasting the Singapore Slingers, 79-69.

The title showdown between the Patriots and the Beermen in the four-day fund-raising tournament for Thailand flood victims underscored their status as the top teams in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League which opens shop on Jan. 14.

“We hope to have a good game plan to resolve their height advantage and limit the production of Banchero,” said Patriots coach Glenn Capacio.

The win by the Filipino cagers was witnessed by no less than Princess Ubolratana, daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Princess, who along with her father won gold in the 1967 SEA Games sailing competition, arrived at halftime.

For the second straight game, Johnson topscored for the Patriots with 18 points while Miller posted another double-double with 12 points and 13 boards.

Larong also shone for the Patriots, who hit 11 points in just 11 minutes of action.

The three combined in a big second quarter run that saw them take a 45-29 lead at halftime, which they kept in the second half en route to the victory.

The scores:

Phl Patriots 67 – Johnson 18, Miller 12, Larong 11, Ramos 8, Arellano 6, Vergara 6, Fernandez 4, Juntilla 2, Ybanez 0, Wainwright 0, Rodriguez 0.

Thailand 54 – Etame 20, Kuete 18, Apiromvilaichai 6, Kruatiwa 6, Lermalaiporn 2, Klahan 2, Sangthong 0, Kaedum 0, Koker 0.

Quarterscores: 21-21; 45-29; 58-36; 67-54