SEA Games: Gilas pulls away to dump Vietnam for 2-0 start

Gilas Pilipinas vs Vietnam in the men’s basketball competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — National team coach Tim Cone expected a stiff challenge from Vietnam.

Cone was on point as the Vietnamese made it interesting until Gilas Pilipinas came out with more zeal in the second half to deliver another beatdown, 110-69, in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Friday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Philippines rose to 2-0 to formalize its entry in the knockout semifinals in a tournament it is expected to dominate through and through and remain the undisputed king in the region.

Gilas’ depth and size were just simply too much for the Vietnamese, whose starting five were solid but lack talent from its bench.

June Mar Fajardo almost effortlessly scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in just three quarters as he got his well-deserved rest the entire fourth period.