MANILA, Philippines — Sparked by the return of Gabe Freeman, the AirAsia-Philippine Patriots displayed more energy in downing the Singapore Slingers, 80-73, on Saturday to clinch a semifinals berth in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Hobbled by three personal fouls in the first half, Freeman made up for lost time by firing 11 points in the second half even as fellow import Steve Thomas and, guard Egay Billones and Benedict Fernandez came up with solid efforts to score the win.
With the victory, the squad co-owned by Harbour Centre boss Mikee Romero and businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco improved to a record of eight wins and four losses to pull within a half game behind the Chang Thailand Slammers for the lead.
Both teams will duel it out for the top spot on January 2 when they clash in Bangkok after the league takes a two-week holiday break.
Freeman finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes of action with Billones leading all scorers with 21 points.
The scores:
PH PATRIOTS 80 — Billones 21, Freeman 17, Thomas 12, Fernandez 9, Jaime 6, Alcaraz 5, Salangsang 4, Ybañez 4, Cabatu 2, Sta Cruz 0, Llagas 0.
SINGAPORE 73 — Skinner 19, Avenido 15, Jeffers 13, Vergara 10, Wei Long 8, Pathman 8, Oh 0, Ng Bin 0.
Quarters: 22-16; 39-37; 58-51; 80-73.
Jonas Terrado, Manila Bulletin
