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Source: abs-cbnnews.com

-- The Philippine Patriots outhustled the Thailand Tigers, 77-61, to nab the top spot in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Patriots sent in Jason Dixon, Froilan Baguion, Jerwin Gaco, Robert Wainwright and Warren Ybanez as their starting lineup, going up against Tigers’ Attaporn Lertmalaiporn, Ikenna Nwankwo, Axel Doruelo, Ratdech Kruatiwa and Chattipak Ruankam.

A repeat of their previous meet, the Patriots took a small lead in the first quarter which ended 15-13 against the Tigers. The Philippine squad extended this to a 5 point lead at halftime, 31-26.

In the third quarter, the Tigers pushed hard in an effort to hold off the Patriots from extending extend their lead, ending the quarter 47-43 with RP still ahead.

In the fourth canto the Patriots picked up the pace. With 6 minutes left on the clock, the Patriots were already leading by 12 points.

Dixon top scored for the Patriots with 19 points, followed by Elmer Espiritu with 10 points. Dixon also had 10 rebounds and team mate Warren Ybanez had 9 assists.

As for Thailand Tigers, Lertmalaiporn was once again their top scorer with 19 points followed closely by Chaz Briggs with 18 points and 17 rebounds.

The win improved the Patriots' record to 6-1. The Tigers, meanwhile, dropped to 2-6.