RP U-18 starts strong, whips Indonesia in SEABA

MANILA, Philippines – The RP Youth five used its superior talent in easily disposing Indonesia, 98-35, Monday to jumpstart its title bid in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Under-18 Championship in Tawau Community Hall in Malaysia.

The Nationals took some time to settle down but once they did, they never gave the Indonesians a chance to put up even a semblance of a fight.

It took them more than two minutes to light up the scoreboard on a split free throw by incoming Ateneo Blue Eagle rookie Thirdy Ravena at 7:49 mark of the game. Adamson Falcon Dawn Ochea quickly followed it up with the Nationals’ first field goal that triggered that set the tone for the rout.

The Nationals led 23-8 after the opening quarter and never looked back. It grew to a commanding 38- point lead at the break as the Filipinos’ smothering defense did the trick holding down Indonesia to single digit scoring in the first two periods.

Jollo Go of Hope Christian High School came off the bench to lead all scorers with 18 points, accounting for five of the Nationals’ six three-pointers in the game. The sweet-shooting Go hit 5-of-8 from beyond the arc.

San Beda’s Ranbill Tongco and Joshua Caracut hit 13 and nine, respectively to compliment Go’s hot shooting night while three more scored eight apiece.

Aaron Black, son of Talk n Text coach Norman, had eight and four rebounds while Ravena (8 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals) and NU Bullpup Mark Anthony Dyke (8 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals) both came away with all-around numbers.

Vincent Rivaldi Kosasih was the lone Indonesian in double figures with 10 points as they struggled mightily in the game. Indonesia was coached by former San Beda Red Cubs’ multi-titled mentor Britt Reroma.

The Nationals, coached by Jamike Jarin, will go for win no. 2 against Malaysia on Tuesday night before wrapping up against Singapore on Wednesday.

The top two teams in this tournament will advance to the FIBA-Asia U-18 Championship in Doha, Qatar, in August.