Sinag Phl crushes Vietnam

JAKARTA – Sinag Pilipinas had another light workout in preparation for the medal games, clobbering Vietnam, 107-53, in the 26th SEA Games men’s basketball tournament at the BritAma Arena in the Kelapa Gading shopping district here yesterday.

It was practically the same as in their game against the Cambodians Tuesday except that the Nationals pressed earlier this time, taking the opening quarter at 32-4.

The far more talented and skillful Nationals, contenders in the Asian level, virtually held a cage clinic for the Vietnamese as they did against the Cambodians, winning by more than 50 points in both matches.

Sinag Pilipinas hardly gave Cambodia and Vietnam a chance even as the Nationals, a selection of collegiate stars and PBA D-League talents, were still in the process of getting to know each other on the playing court.

“We’re still finding a good rhythm but I think we’re getting along well,” said Greg Slaughter.

The seven-foot Fil-foreign behemoth, who had trained with Smart Gilas Pilipinas and played with the team in a number of international jousts, led the team with 20 points, six rebounds and two blocks against the Vietnamese.

NCAA MVP Dave Marcelo, Nicolas Salva, Cliff Hodge, Jake Pascual and Chris Tiu grabbed at least four rebounds each as the Nationals tended the board well to fuel their transition offense.

 “I’m trying to sell that if we play defense and get the rebounds, we can do what we want to do. I think we’re able to do that today,” said Sinag Phl coach Norman Black.

“We played well defensively most of the way, we got the rebounds and we’re able to run the floor. Those were the things we wanted done basically,” Black added.

Sinag Phl may finally get some challenge versus Thailand at the close of group plays today. The Filipinos and the Thais mix it up at 11 a.m.

Discovery Perlas Pilipinas tangles with Myanmar at 1 p.m., gunning for its second win in the ladies competition.

The Thai men have also gone 2-0 here, thumping the Vietnamese, 85-54, Monday and waylaying the Cambodians, 85-62, yesterday.

“I watched both games. The Thais are bigger than the two (the Vietnamese and the Cambodians),” said Black.

“They have three good players. I don’t know their names but I know their numbers. We’re little concerned with the matchups in the wings and in guards because they’re bigger than ours,” Black added.

Against the Vietnamese, the Filipinos proved far superior from the get-go.

Bobby Ray Parks, Garvo Lanete and Ellis were the others, aside from Slaughter, who finished in double figures.