BANGKOK, Thailand — Gilas Pilipinas sent a strong message to the rest of the field of its intention to extend its men’s 5-on-5 basketball reign in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
The Norman Black-mentored cagers toyed with Malaysia in the second quarter, holding it down to only four points, before essaying an 83-58 rout in Group A Sunday at the Nimibutr Stadium here.
Backed by a big and raucous Filipino crowd that filled the arena, Gilas flexed its defensive muscle and firepower to turn the game into a one-sided affair.
Ray Parks scored 18 points, laced with six rebounds and two assists while Robert Bolick added 17 points and six boards for Gilas.
Thirdy Ravena had a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds as Gilas eyes a sweep of its Pool assignment and a semifinals spot when it faces Vietnam Monday at the same venue.
“We have to get better as the tournament goes on. This was our first game in the group so when I say first game, first game talaga. Defensively, we played well in the second and third quarter,” Black said.
“We weren’t that good in the first and fourth quarter. So, we just have to work and improve, watch the tapes, and figure out how we can get better while we’re here,” he added.
“Hopefully, we’ll get another victory against Vietnam in our next game.”
Gilas took some time to heat up before turning a 16-22 early deficit into a 42-26 spread at the half.
Gilas still held a 62-51 edge going into the fourth quarter, with two free throws by Dalph Panopio giving the Pinoy cagers their biggest lead that also stood as the final count in the last 1:24.
Meanwhile, Gilas women’s nailed its second straight win after dominating Singapore, 92-59, in Group B.
Kacey dela Rosa poured 22 points, Sarah Heyn got 14 while Sophia Dignadice scored 12. Skipper Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos had 10 poimnts each for Gilas.