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Freeman tows PHL Patriots to ABL semis


Import Gabe Freeman made true his promise on Saturday as he led the defending champion Philippine Patriots to an 80-73 win over the Singapore Slingers in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Season 2 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The extra energy put up by the former San Miguel import, plus Egay Billiones’ clutch baskets, helped the Patriots book the second semis berth. Despite getting into early foul trouble, Freeman did just everything on the court to finish with 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a steal as the Patriots clinched their eighth win in 12 games to join surprise leader Chang Thailand Slammers in the Final Four. It was also the third straight win for the Patriots over the Slingers, who dropped to a 5-7 card, thus endangering their semis bid. PHL coach Louie Alas paid tribute to Billiones’ razzle-dazzle performance. “He’s a kind of player whom you can depend on heavily at crunch time. He can make things happen even in very difficult situations." The PBA veteran scored six of his team-high 21 points in the last two minutes to help thwart Singapore’s repeated rallies. He also had three rebounds and an assist. With the Patriots protecting a precarious 70-64 lead, Billones sandwiched two free throws by Singapore import Leo Avenido with two tough baskets to give the Patriots a 74-62 breathing room and never looked back after that. The league takes a break starting Sunday for the Holidays. Games will resume on January 2 with the Patriots facing the Slammers. – JVP, KY, GMANews.TV

Scores: Philippines 80 - Billones 21, Freeman 17, Thomas 12, Fernandez 9, Jaime 6, Alcaraz 5, Salangsang 4, Ybanez 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. Quarter scores: 22-16, 39-37, 58-51, 80-73.