Thailand limits Singapore to 1 1st quarter point to salvage bronze

Needing to one up their fourth place finish two years ago, Thailand stormed of the gate, blasting Singapore right from the get go en route to a 75-58 win, Thursday morning at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

After finishing with a 1-3 slate during the 2015 SEABA Under-16 championship, Thailand ended up with a 2-2 slate to win bronze. Singapore, on the other hand, dropped to the bottom of the ledger with a 0-4 record.

Natthanon Chayapiwat led the lambasting scoring 10 of his 18 points in the opening frame. And on the other end, Thailand’s defense was on point, limiting Singapore to a 0-for-10 shooting quarter, their sole point coming from a Reuben Amado free throw. Indonesia led 31-1 after the first 10 minutes of action.

16-year-old center Chayapiwat added 18 rebounds, two assists, and two steals to their statline. Swingman Arnagorn Homthuanlom added 15 markers on 7-for-16 shooting.

Holding an imposing lead heading into the final frame, the Thai defense dropped early in the final frame while Singapore went on a 12-0 rally to cut the lead to 17 points with 4:27 left, capped by a three-point play by Dorian Chin. Thailand though answered with a 6-0 rally to regain their favorable cushion.

Hiran Boateng filled-up the stat sheet as well with 11 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Thailand out-rebounded Singapore, 50-40, while forcing 30 turnovers that led to 39 points.

16-year-old Chin paced Singapore with 12 points and six rebounds. Philippine-born Singaporean David Chuabio added 11 points.

The Scores:

Thailand (75) – Chayapiwat 18, Homthuanlom 15, Boateng 11, Preechahan 10, Wadman 8, Rattanawiwatpong 5, Srangthao 3, Kinnaret 2, Preechatiwong 2, Buakaw 1, Kamwised 0, Iabsap 0.

Singapore (58) – Chin 12, Chuabio 11, Teo ZM 10, Teo TZ 10, Adam 5, Amado 4, Li 2, Tan 2, Lim 2, Tor 0, Lacsado 0, Soh 0.

Quarterscores: 31-1, 40-18, 57-29, 75-58.