CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/POOL
KUALA LUMPUR — Philippines blew host Malaysia apart, 98-66, to score its third straight win Wednesday night in the Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball.
The win assured the Philippines of a place in the semifinals after victories over Thailand and Myanmar.
Fil-German Christian Standhardinger scored 18 points and 18 rebounds for Gilas.
READ: SEA Games: Gilas cadets survive Thailand
Game was interrupted by a scuffle involving frustrated Malaysia defender on Kevin Ferrer. Baser Amer, Bryan Cruz and Troy Rosario engaged Malaysian players in pushing contest.
Kuek Tian Yuan first fouled Ferrer and refused to let go, prompting Gilas teammates to come to his side but instead of cooling it off, it escalated the situation.
As a result, Cruz and Amer were ejected with 5:41 left in the third quarter with Gilas protecting a 57-41 lead.
READ: Ravena lauds Standhardinger’s efforts in Gilas cadets’ opener win
Unfortunately, organizers only meted punishment on the Gilas guards and none on the Malaysians.
But that hardly mattered as the Filipinos simply widened their lead by more than 30 points in the final quarter.