Sinag goes for final slot vs Malaysia

JAKARTA – Sinag Pilipinas held a light workout in its break yesterday where the Nationals reiterated their commitment to do what it takes to win the 26th SEA Games men’s basketball championship.

As the semifinal top qualifier from Group A, the Phl quintet takes on Group B No. 2 team Malaysia at 3 p.m. today in a knockout battle for a seat in the final.

The Nationals are fancied to hurdle the Malaysians and advance to the gold-medal game versus the survivor in the Indonesia-Thailand semis.

Coach Norman Black said the Malaysians may not be as tough as the Indons but they can be a problem if taken for granted.

The Nationals, skippered by Smart Gilas mainstay Chris Tiu, however, maintain that they will stay focused on the task at hand.

They have done a good job so far, giving their coach much satisfaction with the unselfishness everyone has been demonstrating for the better good of the team.

“I’m most satisfied seeing the guys play team basketball. Everyone is sharing the basketball. That’s the best way to win the championship,” said Black of his team led by his Ateneo players Greg Slaughter, Kiefer Ravena, Nico Salva and Emman Monfort.

“All players have been performing well. Everybody wants to share. They’re contributing even when starting or playing off the bench. That’s the character of this team,” Black added.

The multi-titled mentor believes his team of young upcoming stars has come together, making them well capable of defending the men’s basketball title.

Despite a short three-week training, the Nationals showed so much class in walloping Cambodia, 127-68; Vietnam, 107-53; and Thailand, 103-69, in the elims.

Different sets of players starred for Sinag Phl in these games, underscoring the team’s depth and balance.

Malaysia, meanwhile, drubbed Singapore, 67-59, before bowing to Indonesia, 45-59, then rebounding with a 100-72 win over Myanmar.

The Malaysians are a seasoned team, having their international exposures including the last Wuhan Fiba Asia tourney where they made the second round.

They also saw action in the last FIBA Asia Champions Cup where they met Smart Gilas in a fight-marred contest.

For the record, the Philippines ruled all SEAG men’s basketball championships except once when it was upset by Malaysia at home in 1989.