Francis “LeBron” Lopez during Gilas Pilipinas vs Singapore in the 31st SEA Games men’s basketball competition. SEA GAMES POOL
The Philippines met little resistance on the way to a third-straight victory in the Southeast Asian Games men’s 5-on-5 basketball tournament Wednesday afternoon.
Gilas Pilipinas picked apart Singapore, 88-37, to stay perfect in the showcase at Than Tri Gymnasium in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Roger Pogoy starred for the Filipinos, turning in a team-high 19 points on top of a commendable effort on defense underscored by three steals.
Francis Lopez turned in another performance worthy of a highlight reel. The teen finished with 18 points on a perfect 7-for-7.
The defending champions held the enemy to just 17 first-half points—just like they did against Cambodia on Tuesday—on the way to the runaway victory which pretty much primes up Gilas for the showdown against the hosts this Thursday.
Gilas plays Vietnam at 8 p.m. right after its female compatriots play the host squad at 6 p.m.
The Philippines will plunge into a break on Friday before capping taking on Malaysia and then Indonesia.