Patriots lynch Cobras anew, keep ABL lead

MANILA, Philippines - Front-running AirAsia Philippine Patriots flexed just enough muscle to scuttle Bangkok Cobras, 80-72, and stretch their win-streak to six games last night in the third AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Import Anthony Johnson poured in 26 points and 13 rebounds while locals Ardy Larong (13 markers) and Warren Ybanez (10 points, five assists) stepped up as the Patriots hiked their record to 7-1.

“We’re taking it one game at a time. We didn’t play well this time but a win is a win,” said Patriots coach Glenn Capacio, whose wards repeated over the Cobras (3-5), whom they routed the first time around, 86-58.

For the third straight  game, American reinforcement Nakiea Miller struggled, putting up a nine-point, five-rebound performance to go with four shot blocks in the home game presented Pg Flex. But Larong and Ybanez offset his low output, as did the rest of the locals who also chipped in in other aspects.

“Locals should step up always. I know Nakiea has been struggling the past three games but the locals rose to the challenge. We know we can’t depend solely on imports,” said Capacio.

Back-to-back treys by Ybanez and Johnson touched off an 8-2 windup as the Patriots seized control and opened up a 36-27  bubble at the turn.

The team co-owned by Mikee Romero and Tony Boy Cojuangco continued to pour it in the last 20 minutes, establishing double-digit spreads that reached as high as 18, at 78-60 on a two-handed reverse dunk by Johnson.

The Patriots also gained from their three-point shooting, making 10 of their 22 attempts for 45%.

Filipino Marvin Cruz and Jai Reyes led the way for the Cobras with 21 points apiece.