Singapore wards off Vietnam; Malaysia routs winless Myanmar

MANILA, Philippines — Singapore leaned on a late-game surge to turn back Vietnam, 73-60, in the final day of the 2017 SEABA Championships, Thursday at the Smart Araneta-Coliseum.

Ever since the tip-off, the two teams were in neck-and-neck action. It was only midway in the final frame when  the Singaporeans began chafing on the lead erected by the Vietnamese and kept on adding to their advantage, en route a comfy cushion.
 
Leon Kwek, Larry Liew, and Kok Goh all tallied 15 points to power Singapore. Zao Chia added 10 more to help the team snare their second victory of the tournament.

Vietnam was only able to draw double-digit scoring from Han Trie and Quand To with 17 and 10 respectively.

The Vietnamese—who ended their campaign at 1-5—just had no answer for the now 2-4 Singaporeans in the paint.



Chee Liaw of Malaysia | PBA Media Bureau

In the first senior tussle, Malaysia kept Myanmar winless in the regional skirmish via a 96-71 blowout.

Chee Liaw and Zhiu Chin combined for 46 points to tow the Malaysians past  a hapless Burmese side.

Aung Wana was again the darling of the crowd. This time, he finished the game and the team’s SEABA bid with 31 markers. Min Mon Tin chipped in 10 more.

Malaysia led by as many as 29 against the whipping boys of the meet. They cap off their campaign with a 3-3 card at fourth place.

Thailand spent Day 7 of the tournament resting. They completed their tour with a 4-2 standing that is good for third place.

As of posting time, the top spot and the lone ticket to FIBA Asia in Lebanon is being disputed by unbeaten Gilas Pilipinas and Indonesia.