MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas registered its second straight win in the 30th Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball via a 110-69 domination of Vietnam last night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
June Mar Fajardo bullied his way against the defense of the Vietnamese all game long while LA Tenorio and Vic Manuel also made contributions.
The Philippine team improved to 2-0.
Unlike in their game against Singapore on Wednesday, Gilas were tested early.
They were down by two before Fajardo muscled his way against the Vietnamese
defense for a 27-19 edge.
Vietnam was still within striking distance early in the second period; it was
only down 25-31 but conversions from Tenorio, Christian Standhardinger and
Marcio Lassiter allowed the Philippines to establish a 52-40 halftime edge.
The Philippine team pulled away for good in the second half with Fajardo easily scoring against the defense of Vietnam. Same with Manuel, Gregory Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar to take the fight away from their opponent.
“Like I said, it was a tough match against Vietnam,” said Gilas head coach Tim Cone. “Vietnam is one program that has really improved. They got six, seven players who are really good athletes and really know the game.”
The national men’s basketball team will just have a little rest before plunging back to action against Myanmar tonight to close out the elimination round./PN
