Douthit scores 21 as PH routs Singapore in SEABA Opener

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines sent a strong message across that it’s the team to beat in the 2012 SEABA Championships after a 96-58 clobbering of Singapore Wednesday to open up the tournament in Thailand.

Spearheaded by the holdovers from the original Smart Gilas squad—Chris Tiu and Marcus Douthit—the select squad overwhelmed the errant Singaporeans from the get go and pounced on every turnover.

The naturalized center Douthit scattered a game-high 21 points, along with seven rebounds and three blocks while Tiu fired in 18 points.

The Philippines got 19 big points off Singapore’s 16 miscues, while taking advantage of its sheer height advantage with Douthit and Aldrech Ramos manning the post.

The tournament serves as a qualifier for the FIBA Asia Cup.