Malaysia survives Singapore for 1st win in Seaba

Chun Hong Ting. PBA IMAGES

Malaysia had to survive a late scare from Singapore to win, 45-41, for its breakthrough victory in the 2017 Seaba Championship Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Chun Hong Ting exploded for 18 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks as Malaysia posted its first win in four outings.

Liaw Chee Huei added seven markers and six boards in the low-scoring affair, which saw Malaysia shoot 30 percent from the field and the Singapore going on a paltry 23 percent clip.

The Malaysians blew a 31-20 lead with 8:53 remaining in the third quarter as Delvin Goh, Leon Kwek, and Wong Wei Long rallied the Singaporeans to within two, 43-41, with 25.6 left to play.

Chan Kek Thai split his freebies which left the door wide open for Singapore, but Wong and Hanbin Ng flubbed their potential game-tying treys before Liaw iced the game with a split from the charity stripe.

Goh paced winless Singapore (0-3) with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.

The scores:

MALAYSIA 45 – Ting 18, Liaw 7, Chan 5, Choo 4, Ong 4, Heng 3, Choong 2, Teo 2, Ang 0, Chin 0, Liew 0, Mak 0.

SINGAPORE 41 – Goh 14, Kwek 7, H. Ng 6, J. Ng 5, Wong 5, Liew 2, Lim 2, Cheok 0, Chia 0, Lim 0.

Quarters: 15-13, 26-20, 35-30, 45-41.