RP tops Thailand, 96-76, to sweep SEABA games

The San Miguel Beer-RP team defeated Thailand, 96-76, to sweep the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Men's Basketball tournament Monday night at the New Ratchaburi Gym in Ratchaburi, Thailand. According to an RP team release, the game was fiercely fought, although it was a no-bearing affair since the Philippines and Indonesia have already booked the slots for the Tokushima, Japan Olympic qualifier. For the first time in the five-nation tournament, the Philippines found itself trailing after the first period, 23-24, and didn't get to take the upperhand until two minutes in the second quarter from a layup of Mark Caguiao. It was not until Renren Ritualo's three-point shot with 5:35 that RP team posted its first double-digit lead, 37-27. This was followed by several 25-point advantages, the last time on Kerby Raymundo's two-pointer. The Thais showed their resiliency and exploded with an 11-0 bomb that cut the lead to 77-66 in the fourth quarter. The RP team ended the tournament with a 4-0 clip and posted a 38.5 average winning margin. But inspite of this, Reyes found little reason to celebrate. "We didn't even have the game to beat Chinese-Taipei. Now we have two months to get to that level," said Reyes, who brought up the names of Willie Miller of Alaska, Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia, and Gabe Norwood, a Fil-Am from George Mason University as possible additions to the national team. "Essentially, we're basically cramming," he added, providing portents of big changes to come in the team within the next few days. Scores: SMC-RP (96): Seigle 22, Caguioa 18, Taulava 16, Alapag 12, Hontiveros 9, Ritualo 9, Villanueva 6, Raymundo 4, De Ocampo 0, Pennisi 0, Helterbrand 0, Canaleta 0 THAILAND (76): Piyapong 11, Ratdech 11, Chaiwat 10, Attaporn 9, Mana 9, Darongphan 8, Jakkpapan 8, Sopon 7, Boonchai 3, Nontabob 0

- GMANews.TV