New import Thomas puts Patriots back on winning track

Rashiem Wright made three of his four free throws in the last 29 seconds as the AirAsia-Philippine Patriots edged the Kuala Lumpur Dragons, 73-71, to sna a three-game losing skid in the ASEAN Basketball League Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Wright was a big letdown in the Patriots’ previous game, but sizzled for 21 points this time. The FIBA Asia Championship veteran campaigner had 10 points in the payoff period, powering the Philippines to the come-from-behind win. The Patriots improved their record to 7-4 for solo second while the Dragons slipped to 6-5. “It was a hard win, but we have to take it. It’s nice to win again after losing our last three games," said Patriots coach Louie Alas, whose boys suffered a stinging 96-81 defeat to the Dragons two weeks ago. The Patriots charged back from 20 points down, 22-42, early in the third period. Wright conspired with Egay Billones and new import Steve Thomas in a big second-half run to the count at 67-all with just 2:43 remaining. Filipino import Patrick Cabahug and Nakei Miler scored back-to-back baskets that gave the Dragons a 71-67 lead. Thomas, a 6-foot-8 former import of the Air21 Express in the Philippine Basketball Association, hit a short stab, after which Wright split his free throws to shove the Patriots within striking distance, 70-71, 29 ticks remaining. After the Dragons bungled next offensive play, Wright was fouled by Alex Hartman. The lefty import sank both charities to put the Patriots on the driver’s seat, 72-71, 22.5 seconds remaining. The Dragons had a chance to send the game to overtime but Miller forced his shot against the tough-defending Thomas and lost his footing. JP Alcaraz, who grabbed the loose ball, sealed the game by splitting his free throws. Thomas, who led Air21 to its first and only finals stint in the PBA in the 20087 Fiesta Conference, finished with a double-double of 10 points and 15 boards. - KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV