Smart-Gilas trounces Singapore in SEABA opener

The Smart-Gilas Pilipinas SEABA contingent opened its campaign in the third South East Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Cup by crushing Singapore, 96-58, on Wednesday at the 700-Year Stadium in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Naturalized center Marcus Douthit led all scorers with 21 points and seven rebounds. Chris Tiu, a fellow holdover from the first incarnation of the Gilas’ team, had 18 points and five assists on 6-for-8 shooting, and former San Beda Red Lion Garvo Lanete tied Alaska Ace LA Tenorio with 11 points apiece. The Philippines ran a clinic against the Singaporeans, posting a 19-2 margin in points off turnovers and a 54-20 advantage in points in the paint. They limited Singapore to 19-of-64 field goals while converting 36-of-68, or 71 percent of their attempts from the field. Coach Jong Uichico, standing in for National team coach Chot Reyes, showcased his deep roster, bolstered with Alaska players Tenorio, Mac Baracael and Sonny Thoss. None of his wards played more than 22 minutes in the 38-point romp. Gilas got off to a slow start, as the tally stood in their favor, 4-3 halfway through the first period. A dunk by Douthit, however, kicked things off for the Nationals as he and Tenorio scored 11 of their side’s next 15 points, bringing the score to 19-6 on a pair of charities by the imposing center. Teo Chun Hoe split his free throws for Singapore to end the first period at 22-12. In the second quarter, the Philippines forced Singapore into six turnovers and limited them to only four field goals in the period. A bucket by Lanete as time expired gave them a 45-20 advantage heading into halftime. The Singaporeans tried to hang in the game when play resumed, as Mitchell Folkoff scored four of his team’s first six points in the third quarter. But Tiu, Thoss and Douthit marched to the line en route to a 62-35 lead, and the Nationals gradually padded the margin until the final buzzer. After going up 1-0 in the standings, the Philippines will play three more games in as many days. They face Indonesia on Thursday, Malaysia on Friday and Thailand on Saturday. The eventual SEABA representative will compete in the FIBA Asia Cup on October 13-21 in Beirut, Lebanon. Folkoff led Singapore with 12 points. Ng Hanbin was the only other Singapore player in double figures with 10 markers. - AMD, GMA News The scores: Philippines 96: Douthit 21, Tiu 18, Tenorio 11, Marcelo 11, Thoss 9, Baracael 7, Hermida 7, Marcelo 6, Ramos 4, Monfort 3, Co 0 Singapore 58: Folkoff 12, Ng 10, Oh 9, Khoo 8, Teo 7, Lim 6, Wong 2, Koh 2, Matialakan 2, Wu 0, Liew 0, Goh 0 Quarter scoring: 22-12, 45-20, 74-43, 96-58