The fancied Gilas Pilipinas squad are exactly where they intended to be, taking out Singapore, 68-60, Friday evening at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Troy Rosario and Christian Standhardiner posted double-doubles in the win, with the former finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while the latter added 13 markers and 11 boards.
Gilas led by as much as 15 points in the third fram,e but the Singaporeans did not back down, cutting the lead to just five 53-48 midway through the final frame. Crucial baskets from Mike Tolomia and Baser Amer quelled numerous rallies by Singapore in the end game.
Tolomia finished with 10 points, while Amer added eight markers.
Russell Low Wenquiang led the Singaporeans with 14 points.
The Philippines has been in every Final of the regional meet. The Philippines will either face Indonesia or Thailand.
The Scores:
Gilas Pilipinas (68) – Rosario 14, Standhardinger 13, Tolomia 10, Amer 8, Paras 7, Ravena 5, Parks 4, Pessumal 4, Ferrer 2, Cruz 1, Jose 0, Vosotros 0.
Singapore (60) – Low 14, Wong 12, Kwek 8, Liew 6, Ng 6, Folkoff 6, Goh 6, Chia 2.
Quarterscores: 15-12, 32-24, 49-42, 68-60.
