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.
