Gilas repels tough Thais for first SEAG win

MANILA, Philippines (First published Aug. 20 at 11:25 p.m.)  — Gilas Pilipinas got off the right foot in their bid to defend their Southeast Asian Games crown, surviving a pesky Thailand side, 81-74, Sunday night.

Gilas dictated the tempo as soon as the game tipped off. But the Filipinos were caught dozing off by naturalized Thai cager Tyler Lamb in the second period.

Lamb sparked a run in the third period that saw the Thais take the driver's seat. But just when it all boiled down to the final period, a fellow ABL cager in Ray Parks Jr. stole his thunder.

The second-generation Filipino hooper made Lamb foul out in the payoff period, dispatching the biggest thorn on the Filipinos’ side.

Christian Standhardinger, Baser Amer and Kiefer Ravena then picked up the cudgels, conspiring to help Gilas slowly build a lead and carefully sapping whatever hope left for the Thais to turn the tide.

The Filipinos made the Thais pay with their turnovers, converting 29 points off their errors. 

Lamb exited the game with a team-best 17 markers. Kannut Samerjai and Chitchai Ananti — who both saw action here during the SEABA Championships — chimed in 12 and 11, respectively.Samerjai and Chitchai Ananti — who both saw action here during the SEABA Championships — chimed in 12 and 11, respectively.

Troy Rosario ended up with the most points for the young Gilas crew with 16. Standhardinger and Parks had 15 and 14, respectively.

Ravena, who is playing on a record 4th SEA Games, tallied 11 points in Gilas’ first victory in Men’s Group A preliminaries. 

Earlier, the Lebanese edition of the national team wrapped up their 2017 FIBA Asia Cup with a win over the gritty Jordanians. They finished the tourney at 7th place.

Gilas takes on Myanmar next this coming Tuesday.

The Scores:

GILAS PILIPINAS 81 - Rosario 16, Standhardinger 15, Parks 14, Ravena 11, Tolomia 8, Amer 6, Jose 6, Vosotros 3, Ferrer 2, Paras 0, Pessumal 0.

THAILAND 74 - Lamb 17, Samerjai 12, Ananti 11, P. Klahan 10, Jakrawan 9, C. Klahan 5, Apiromvilaichai 4, Kruatiwa 4, Chanthachon 2, Ghogar 0, Lakhan 0, Muangboon 0.

Quarters: 22-12, 36-34, 60-59, 81-74.