Sinag PHL used balanced scoring to beat Thailand

Filipino-American Cliff Hodge tallied 15 points to lead Sinag Pilipinas to a 103-69 thrashing of Thailand as the Nationals finished the group stages with an impressive 3-0 win-loss card. Five other players finished in double figures as Sinag Pilipinas showed its balanced offensive attack UAAP Season 74 Rookie of the Year Kiefer Ravena added 14 points while 2011 UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player Nico Salva scored 12. The Norman Black-coached Sinag Pilipinas started strong outscoring Thailand, 37-21, after 10 minutes of play. Thailand tried to rally back in the game but the Philippines survived the fightback and entered the halftime break enjoying a 54-34 spread. It was almost the same story in the second half with the Philippines turning Thailand's 21 turnovers to 28 points mostly on open court action that included two dunks from Fil-Am Chris Ellis. The scrappy and athletic Thai team out-rebounded the Philippines 32-28, but the Philippines played more as a team based on Sinag's 23-9 edge in assists. Team Pilipinas also took care of the ball better, only committing 14 turnovers against Thailand's 21. — Renee Fopalan/JVP, GMA News