RP cagers sweep SEABA tourney

JOHOR Bahru, Malaysia - The Philippines struggled past Singapore in overtime, 69-64, and swept the third Southeast Asia Basketball Association Men's Championship at the Larkin Indoor Stadium here.

Offensive rebounding in the extension period powered the Filipinos, represented by Belle Corporation-Manila Metrostars, to their third straight win and a spot in the ABC Champions Cup set in Lebanon next month.

Retaining possession thrice after free throw misses, the Filipinos managed a four-point windup from the stripe, capped by Erwin Framo's insurance charities with 12 seconds to go.

The Filipinos actually had a chance to wrap up the game outright, but Jonathan Serrano bungled two free throws with just three seconds left.

Still, it was a good recovery by the Filipinos, who trailed by five points entering the last four minutes.

Nandy Garcia, atoning for so-so performances in the Philippines' victories over Malaysia (76-65) and Indonesia (67-47), hit five triples, including one that sent the game into overtime, 61-61.

Indonesia took second place with a 2-1 card following a 62-56 triumph over Malaysia also Sunday. The Malaysians copped third at 1-2 while the Singaporeans finished last at 0-3.