Basketball
Beermen knock off Patriots to win ABL preseason title
The San Miguel Beermen beat the AirAsia Philippine Patriots, 84-76, Sunday night at the Nimibutr National Stadium in Bangkok to capture the “To Be Number 1 Basketball Challenge” title in what could be a prelude of what’s to come for the expansion franchise.
The title victory of the Beermen in the ABL preseason tournament sent a strong message to the rest of the league of their intentions of being one of the top contenders this season which starts on January.
And they did it no less against the Patriots, the inaugural champion of the league and last season’s runner-up.
San Miguel finished the mini-tournament without a loss against the holdovers of the league. They beat the Indonesia Warriors (formerly Satria Muda BritAma), 76-70, and the Singapore Slingers, 76-69, in the group stage to set up a showdown with the Patriots.
Chris Banchero and import Richard Jeter made big shots in the fourth quarter to put enough cushion from a pesky Patriots side that roared back in the third period.
Anthony Johnson had 21 points after three quarters for the Patriots as they build a comeback from 13 points down to trail by just one point, 57-56, at the end of the third.
But the Beermen wouldn’t be denied in the final period as their sheer talent and determination did it in thwarting a come-from-behind victory by the Patriots.
