Favorites book second wins on Day 2 of SEABA Championship 2017

MANILA (SEABA Championship 2017) - Thailand, Indonesia and Gilas Pilipinas all went up 2-0 after Day 2 action at the SEABA Championship 2017 in Manila.

In the first game, Thailand outscored Vietnam, 22-4, in the first quarter to set the tone for a blowout win, 76-49. Youngster Anuruk Lodliang, who didn't play on Day 1, debuted with aplomb for Thailand with a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double. Kannut Samerjai also waxed hot, hitting 4 three-pointers on his way to a game-high 14 points.

Coach Tim Lewis's squad utilized their size advantage to the hilt, out-rebounding Vietnam, 43-35, and outscoring them in the paint, 40-30. Aside from Lodliang, Teerawat Chanthachon and Wutipong Dasom both did damage in the shaded lane with a combined 20 points. Only one Vietnames scored in double digits - Tran Vu Linh, who tallied 10 points on 4-of-6 field goal shooting.

Indonesia, still playing with only 9 men, also notched back-to-back wins after subduing Malaysia, 63-42. In contrast to their ultra efficient first half against Singapore, the Indons were sloppy in the first half of this game, but Malaysia did themselves no favors by being even sloppier. Indonesia established a 28-19 lead at the half, and they proceeded to build on that in the final two periods to formalize the victory.

Young playmaker Abraham Grahita stepped up big time for Timnas Basket, exploding for 26 points on the strength of 3 triples. He got ample help from Diftha Pratama and Kevin Sitorus, who ruled the interior. Pratama had 8 points and 10 rebounds, while Sitorus, who got hit in the eye early in the first half, recorded 12 boards. Ting Chun Hong was the lone bright spot for Malaysia with 16 points.

In the nightcap, Gilas Pilipinas made quick work of upstarts Singapore for their second win, 113-66. Just like in their game opposite Myanmar, the Filipinos had a fast start against the Singaporeans, scoring the first 11 points of the contest before the losing side got on the board thanks to a couple of free throws from Delvin Goh. Andray Blatche played in front of his mother at the venue and shone brightly, scoring 14 points on top of 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Backing Blatche up were Calvin Abueva and Allein Maliksi. Abueva dropped 16 points to go along with 5 boards and 3 dimes, while Maliksi - playing in only his second international game - registered 14 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds in the lopsided triumph for the home side. Gilas were never threatened in this encounter and once again served notice of their unmatched depth and size.

Singapore should be given credit for their fighting spirit, though. Despite lagging behind by a mile, their body language remained positive, and they didn't seem rattled. They clearly got over their opening day jitters, and better things are sure to come from coach Frank Arsego's squad. Singapore were paced by Larry Liew and Wong Weilong, who tossed in 14 and 12 points respectively.

Indonesia and Thailand will meet head on tomorrow to see who can remain unscathed, while the Philippines take on the Malaysians. Sandwiched in-between those games is the tussle between cellar-dwellers Myanmar and Vietnam, both looking for their first win.

RESULTS:

Thailand beat Vietnam, 76-49

Indonesia beat Malaysia, 63-42

Philippines beat Singapore, 113-66

FIBA