Ailing Johnson, Phl Patriots drop Singapore Slingers

MANILA, Philippines - Anthony Johnson fired 20 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as AirAsia Philippine Patriots fought back from 15 points down in trouncing Jobstreet.com Singapore Slingers, 90-84, in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League last night at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Playing through groin injury, Johnson ignited an 18-7 salvo that swayed the game to the side of the slow-starting Patriots who improved to 15-5 while slamming the door on the semis bid of the Slingers (8-11).

“We’re not actually forcing AJ (Johnson) to play his all since he’s not yet 100 percent from a groin injury he’s nursing but he’s just competitive,” said coach Glenn Capacio after pulling off the win in the home game presented by PG Flex Linoleum.

Facing a do-or-die situation, the Slingers completely outplayed the Patriots majority of the way, erecting leads as high as 15, at 44-29, late in the second canto and maintaininng a 62-53 spread at the end of the third.                   

Big man Kyle Jeffers was an unstoppable force, scorching with 25 points in the first two quarters alone. He was held down to only five in the final 20 minutes for 30 overall.

“We’re struggling in the first three quarters but I’m happy the boys played well down the stretch. It’s really hard to motivate the team since we’re already in the semis. Luckily, they responded in the second half,” said Capacio.

Guard Ardy Larong provided huge support to Johnson in their fourth quarter move, shooting seven of his nine points in winning time, including two charities that upped the Patriots’ lead to 86-75.