PHL U16 cagers rip Laos, eye prelims sweep vs Singapore

The Energen-Pilipinas Under-16 men's team ripped Laos, 101-57, to continue their dominance in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) U16 qualifying championships. San Beda Red Cub Arvin Tolentino scored 30 points and grabbed 18 rebounds to lead the Nationals' commanding performance. Daryl Pascual of University of Perpetual Help and Ateneo de Cebu's Renzar Asilum added 14 points apiece to help the Philippines romp to its third straight win. The Nationals eye a sweep of their elimination round assignments against Singapore on Saturday. The Philippines smothered their opponents with its defense, resulting to Laos shooting a paltry 24 percent clip. It did not get any better for Laos at the 3-point area as it shot 7-of-40 or only 18 percent. The Nationals also cleaned up the boards, grabbing 61 rebounds to 33 of Laos and also enjoyed a 33-16 edge in second chance points. They also ruled the shaded lane, scoring 64 points compared to Laos' 22. Adven Diputado of Ateneo de Cebu had five of the Philippines' 13 steals while San Beda's Ranbill Tongco helped facilitate the Nationals' offense as he issued five of the team's 11 assists. The top three teams after the tournament will earn slots in the FIBA Under 16 Men's Championships in Vietnam in October. The Philippines is expected to claim the top ranking after having an average winning margin of 43 points against its opponents. Indonesia and host Malaysia will join the Philippines in the FIBA competition later this year. - JVP, GMA News