FIBA ASIA - Casio powers Philippines past Malaysia

JAKARTA (SEABA Championship/FIBA Asia Championship) - Joe "JV" Casio scored 15 of his game-high 19 points in the third quarter as Philippines woke up after a stuttering first half to cruise to a 97-71 win over Malaysia on Thursday in the opening game of the SEABA Championship.

The score was tied at 20 at the end of the first quarter before Malaysia edged in front to take a 41-36 lead at halftime.

However, Philippines used an 11-4 run right after the break to take charge of the proceedings.

Casio spearheaded that crucial spurt and continued with his wonted fervour to steer his side to safety.

The fourth quarter only saw Rajko Toroman’s team strengthening their stranglehold on the game further with JP Aguilar pouring in 14 points in the period.

Naturalized Filipino Marcus Douthit celebrated his debut for Philippines National Team with a double-double – 14 points and an obviously game-high 15 rebounds.

Ho Yeow Loong paced Malaysia with 11 points.

Philippines face hosts Indonesia on Friday, with Malaysia taking on Singapore.

The top two teams from the round robin will qualify for Sunday’s final.

The top three teams at the end of the round robin qualify to represent SEABA in the FIBA Asia Championship to be held in Wuhan, China between 15 and 25 September.

FIBA Asia