PH U18 five braces for 2 tough foes

The Energen Pilipinas under-18 team guns for a return stint in Fiba Asia when it tackles the two toughest squads in the 8th Southeast Asian Basketball Association (Seaba) U18 Championship for Men in Singapore.

Boosted by a strong opening-day outing, the young Nationals battle Malaysia at 8 tonight and then the Filipino-mentored Indonesia at 3 p.m. tomorrow at Singapore Basketball Center.

“We’re wary of Indonesia, they’ve been building up in the last few years,” said Energen team manager Joel Lopa. “They’ve improved their level of play. They were in the United States for training and they were also here in the Philippines playing against some of our college teams.”

The Philippines, who drew an opening-day bye, kicked off its campaign by blasting a hapless Laos side by 96 points, 124-28, on Wednesday night.

Indonesia, coached by Filipino Nat Canson, tripped Malaysia, 81-73, and Singapore, 54-43, to claim the early lead in the five-nation, single-round tournament.

The tournament’s top three teams will earn slots in the Fiba Asia U18 tournament scheduled Aug. 17 to 26 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Mario Bonleon pumped in 24 points on top of six assists and four steals to lead the Nationals who finished in double figures against Laos.

Kent Lao fueled a dominating 34-10 start before the defending champions held Laos to a single digit in the next three quarters, including just two points in the second period.

Rey Nambatac collected 17 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Lao finished with 16 points and 15 boards.

The scores:

PHILIPPINES 124—Bonleon 24, Nambatac 17, Lao 16, De Leon 16, Alejandro 12, Rivero 12, Suarez 9, Go 6, Javelosa 6, Olayon 4, Cani 2.

LAOS 28—Phommasone 10, Phannolath 8, Champakeo 3, Seagthong 3, Phengnalath 2, Sengsouliya 2, Labaouaphieng 0, Maydaphone 0, Vongmelenth 0.

Quarters: 34-10, 64-12, 93-19, 124-28