MANILA, Philippines The Philippines showed why it’s the heavy favorite against its regional rival Indonesia in the opener of the Fiba Esports Open Friday night.
With eight-time Proam Champion Aljon Cruzin aka Shintarou leading the way, the Philippines cruised to a couple of convincing wins for a rousing start to its campaign.
Shintarou, who runs the point, scored 22 points, nearly matching the Indonesians’ total output in the Philippines’ 56-29 victory in the first game. He also had three rebounds and seven assists to boot.
As if the opening match wasn’t dominating enough, the Filipinos followed that up with a 64-30 rout behind Shintarou’s 23 points and four assists.
The Philippines, which is also bannered by Rial Polog Jr., Custer Galas, Philippe Alcaraz Herrero IV, Clark Banzon and coach Nite Alparas, meets Indonesia again twice Saturday night at 6:45 p.m. and 7:25 p.m.