AP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines overcame a shaky start to fend off a hard-fighting Singapore side, 88-75, to kickoff its gold medal bid in men’s basketball of the 27th Southeast Asian Games Monday at the Zayar Thiri Indoor Stadium in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.
Sinag Pilipinas, bannered by cadets Garvo Lanete and Matt Ganuelas and Gilas mainstay Marcus Douthit along with college stars Ray Parks, Roi Sumang and Kiefer Ravena to name a few, trailed early before gaining steam in the latter part of the game.
The Nationals, who fell behind, 6-12, got a first taste of the lead, 35-33, on two free throws by Douthit before finally establishing a double-digit lead, 69-59, late in the third quarter.
The Singaporeans though, just wouldn’t go down without a fight as they pulled to within reach, 65-70, before a Kevin Ferrer triple helped the Filipinos to re-build a 10-point advantage, 80-70, with three minutes remaining.
Meanwhile, Perlas, the women’s national basketball team, beat Malaysia, 65-59, to also get its campaign off a winning note.
Far Eastern U forward Mark Belo led PH with 16 points and 10 rebounds while Ferrer, the University of Santo Tomas swingman had 14 on three-of-six shooting from deep.
Douthit, who pledged P500 for every point and rebound he would get throughout the tournament, finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds.