Wright powers Patriots' come-from-behind win

MANILA, Philippines - Hashiem Wright made things right for the AirAsia-Philippine Patriots, hitting three of his four free throws in the last 29 seconds to power the hosts to a 73-71 come-from-behind victory over the Kuala Lumpur Dragons in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Wright sizzled with 21 points, including 10 in the last period as the Patriots, co-owned by Harbour Centre CEO Mikee Romero and businessman Tony Boy Cojuangco, completed a stirring comeback from a 20-point deficit to beat the Dragons and snap their three-game skid.

With the win, the Patriots improved to 7-4 for solo second while dealing the Dragons their fifth loss against six wins.

“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 wards dropped a stinging 81-96 defeat to the Dragons two weeks ago.

For a while, the Dragons appeared headed for another runaway win when they took a 42-22 lead early in the third quarter. But Wright, Egay Billones and new import Steve Thomas came through with big plays to tie the count at 67 with just 2:43 remaining.

The Dragons, however, refused to give up as Filipino import Patrick Cabahug and Nakeia Miller scored back-to-back baskets that gave them a 71-67 lead.

The 6-9 Thomas hit a short stab before Wright split his charities as the Patriots moved within, 70-71, with only 29 seconds remaining.

After the Dragons bungled their next offensive play, Wright drew a foul and canned in two pressure-packed charities as the hosts grabbed a 72-71 lead.

The Dragons had a chance to steal the game but Miller forced his shot against the tough defending Thomas, paving the way for JP Alcaraz’s split for the final score.

Thomas, who once played for Air21 in the PBA, finished in double-double with 10 points and 15 boards.