Strong start propels Gilas Pilipinas to HK tilt finale

Smart Gilas Pilipinas through to the finals of Super Kung Sheung Cup Saturday. Photo from Josh Reyes’ Instagram account

MANILA, Philippines — A blistering start propelled Smart Gilas Pilipinas to a 90-69 dispatching of Changsha Parklane Saturday night for a slot in the finals of the 2013 Super Kung Sheung Cup Invitationals in Hong Kong.

The Nationals zoomed to a 26-9 lead at the turn of the first period and were never threatened since even with the Snow Wolves managing to keep up offensively.

Smart Gilas Pilipinas has not a dropped an assignment since the start of the tournament being held at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wanchai.

Niño Cañaleta was flawless in four shots inside the arch then nailed two treys to lead the Nationals with 18 points, which went along with eight rebounds.

Naturalized center Marcus Douthit added 13 points and eight boards while Kevin Alas had 10 markers and four assists.

The Philippines figures in a knockout finals battle on Sunday against winner between Southern California Fukienese Association and Hongkong.