Indonesia posts back-to-back wins, downs Malaysia

Abraham Grahita. PBA IMAGES

Abraham Grahita unloaded 26 points to carry Indonesia to a 63-42 win over Malaysia Saturday in the 2017 Seaba Championship at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 21-year-old swingman stepped up for the misfiring Mario Wuysang as he went 9-of-16 from the field, on top of five rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

Indonesia also drew solid contributions from Andakara Dhyaksa, who finished with nine points, as the Indonesians grabbed a share of the top spot with Thailand.

Wuysang, who orchestrated Indonesia’s opening day victory over Singapore on Friday, went scoreless after missing all of his five attempts from the field.

Malaysia played catch-up all game long but was just within reach, 44-37, entering the fourth quarter.

However, Grahita anchored a killer 11-1 run to open the fourth period that stretched the Indonesians’ lead to 17, 55-38, and took  the fight out of the Malaysians.

Chun Hong Ting paced Malaysia (0-2) with 16 points, two rebounds, and two assists.

Malaysia missed the services of naturalized player Jamarr Johnson and Indonesian-American forward Arki Wisnu for the second straight game.

The scores:

INDONESIA 63 – Grahita 26, Dhyaksa 9, Pratama 8, Lakudu 6, Sitepu 6, Kurniawan 3, Sitorus 3, Nugroho 2, Wuysang 0.

MALAYSIA 42 – Ting 16, Choo 9, Teo 5, Chan 4, Choong 3, Ong 3, Chin 2, Liaw 0, Ang 0, Mak 0, Heng 0, Liew 0.

Quarters: 14-6, 28-19, 44-37, 63-42.