SEABA: Philippines buries Malaysia, 102-72

Games Monday (Manila Time) 2 p.m. – Singapore vs. Indonesia 4 p.m. – Thailand vs. SMC-RP Standings: RP 3-0, Malaysia 2-2, Thailand 1-1, Indonesia 1-1, Singapore 0-3 Renren Ritualo exploded with nine 3-pointers to anchor the San Miguel-Pilipinas team's 102-72 victory over Malaysia Sunday in the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) men's championship in Ratchaburi, Thailand. Ritualo finished with 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting from outside the rainbow, five of which he scored successively in the second quarter. His first triple broke the 21-all tie that also started a 20-4 run that buried the Malaysians for good, according to a statement from the RP team management. "He's our zone-buster," said RP team head mentor Chot Reyes regarding Ritualo. "That's the reason he's on this team." A victory moved the Philippine squad a win away from sweeping the tournament and earning a spot in the Beijing Olympics qualifier, the FIBA-Asia Men's Championship July 28-Aug. 5 in Tokushima, Japan. The last assignment for the Philippines is host Thailand on Monday afternoon. Ritualo's sixth attempt went out but Mick Pennisi and Mark Caguioa took over and hit three more three-pointers, breaking the Malaysians' zone defense. "Mission accomplished today," beamed RP coach Chot Reyes. "Tomorrow (Monday), hopefully, we achieve our goal." Reyes said the ultimate goal was to get to the Olympics via the FIBA-Asia tournament, but that winning the SEABA title was also a must. The 16 3-pointers for the Philippines were more than its combined output in its games with Singapore and Indonesia. SCORES: SMC-RP (102)– Ritualo 27, Caguioa 20, Seigle 14, Taulava 9, Alapag 9, Helterbrand 7, Pennisi 6, De Ocampo 4, Villanueva 4, Canaleta 2, Raymundo 0, Hontiveros 0. MALAYSIA (72) – Satyaseelan 23, Guganeswaran 14, Koh 10, Chai 8, Chee 7, Soo 6, Chan 2, Ng 2, Tong 0, Tan 0, Chow 0, Won 0. Quarters: 21-19; 53-36; 75-51; 102-72 - GMANews.TV