Patriots manhandle Indonesians in ABL

MANILA, Philippines - This time, it was the turn of Anthony Johnson to shine as the AirAsia Philippine Patriots clobbered the Indonesian Warriors, 86-73, yesterday in the third AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League at the San Juan gym.

Emerging from the long shadow of Nakiea Miller, who won the Best Import award while playing for the Westsports Kuala Lumpur last year, Johnson made his presence felt right in the first period en route to a double-double performance with 33 points and 11 rebounds.

He was at his best in the payoff period where he scored two tough jumpers early that enabled them to pull away from a tight 62-56 lead and gave them several 12-point leads.

The Patriots then skillfully and valiantly protected that lead to improve their record to 2-1 in the home game presented by PG Flex Linoleum.

But more than that, the win enabled the team co-owned by Tony Boy Cojuangco and Mikee Romero to redeem themselves following a stinging a 78-70 setback to the San Miguel Beermen last week.

“This is a good win, the boys showed they can rebound from a tough loss,” said coach Glenn Capacio. “Everybody did his share.”

Former Gilas pool member Aldrech Ramos did not see action due to an injury but his absence hardly mattered as Miller posted 19 points and 16 boards.

Surprisingly, the 6-foot-9 Miller held his ground against the barrel-chested Steve Thomas, who was held to just 16 points. The former Patriot import collared just 15 boards this time after making 20-plus the last time.

The Indonesians, beaten by the Patriots for the title in the inaugural tournament, slipped to 1-2.

Veteran Al Vergara also did a splendid job at the point as he finished with 14 points, three rebounds, five assists and four steals. Ardy Larong added 11 markers.

The Patriots won despite an explosive performance from reigning Most Valuable Player Mario Wuysang. The Indon hotshot had 24 points off six triples in 37 minutes.

The scores:

Patriots 86 - Johnson 33, Miller 19, Vergara 14, Larong 11, Raymundo 4, Wainwright 3, Laure 2, Ybanez 0, Fernandez 0, Rodriguez 0, Saldua 0.

Indonesia 73 - Wuysang 24, Thomas 16, Smith 16, Prihantono 10, Sta Cruz 4, Canada 3, Ricafuente 0, Gunawan 0.

Quarterscores: 17-15; 37-35; 62-56; 86-73.