Sinag five rips Indonesia, seals title

NAYPYITAW—A bristling second half assault propelled Sinag Pilipinas to an emphatic 83-52 victory over Indonesia Saturday that put the country on the brink of retaining the men’s basketball crown of the 27th Southeast Asian Games.
The PH five flashed its defensive intensity in the third period to put away the game Indonesians for its fifth straight victory in the seven-team tournament.

Thailand later defeated Malaysia, 73-69, which sealed the gold medal for the Philippines. Even if Thailand defeats Myanmar Sunday and ties the Philippines by virtue of a Malaysia upset, Sinag will still claim the gold via the winner-over-the-other rule.

The Philippines defeated Thailand, 100-68 Friday.

Naturalized center Marcus Douthit finished with 11 points and the same number of rebounds, while Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Ferrer and Mac Belo all dished out solid games for Sinag, which will be merely gunning for a sweep when it plays Malaysia and formally clinches the country’s 16th gold medal in the event.

“I’m happy with the way we played defense in the second half,” said Jong Uichico.

After a jittery start against Singapore, the Filipino cagers have strung up four straight lopsided wins, although it took them some time to pull away against the Indonesians.

Meanwhile, Perlas Pilipinas resumes its chase for a medal in the women’s basketball event when it battles Indonesia Saturday.

“We just want to finish the tournament on a positive note,” said coach Haydee Ong, whose squad holds a 1-1 record.

The scores:
PHILIPPINES 83—Douthit 11, Ravena 10, Ferrer 9, Belo 9, J. Pascual 8, Ganuelas 8, Alas 8, Parks 7, Sumang 6, Cruz 4, Lanete 3, R. Pascual 0.
INDONESIA 52—Prawiro 14, Sitepu 11, Pamungkas 6, Gemilang 6, Purta 5, Dhyaksa 3, Siregar 3, Gunawan 2, Utomo 2, Ferdinand 0.
Quarters: 18-18, 40-34, 67-43, 83-52