Game on Feb. 25 (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City)

6 p.m. San Miguel vs Westports Malaysia

MANILA, Philippines — The AirAsia Philippine Patriots posted a hard-fought 81-72 victory over the defending champion Chang Thailand Slammers at the Thai-Japanese Association gym in Bangkok, Thailand to remain on top of the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League.

Import Anthony Johnson scattered 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists even as point guard Al Vergara hit key baskets in the homestretch to propel the Patriots to their fifth straight win and a league-best 6-1 slate.

With the victory, the Patriots prevented a tie for first with fellow Filipino team San Miguel Beermen, who earlier registered a 77-61 win over the stubborn Indonesia Warriors at the Mahaka Square in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Behind 23 points, seven rebounds and three steals from import Doug Thomas, the Beermen bagged their third consecutive triumph to gain the solo second spot in the eight-team league.

By losing to the Patriots in the rematch of last year's finals, the Slammers dropped to 3-5 for sixth place while the Warriors saw their two-game streak snapped after bowing to SMB.