Indonesia's Wuysang still has it at 38, powers team in SEABA win

MANILA, Philippines — In 40 solid minutes, it was a cager nearing 40 who packed the biggest punch.

Indonesia’s Mario Wuysang was the top performer in the country’s rout of Singapore in the first game of Southeast Asia Basketball Association Championship (SEABA), Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m just blessed to be able to player at this age,” the 38-year-old guard said. “I’m just going out there and compete.”

Eighteen of Wuysang’s total 20 points all came form downtown. He also dished out four assists to go with two rebounds.

But Wuysang, who has been a veteran of many battles and a champion and in Indonesia’s pro league himself, said that his squad was lucky to pull through versus Singapor

“Singapore’s a tough team. We didn’t have that much preparation because we just got done in our league in Indonesia, but we stuck together,” Wuysang, who is also part-American, said.

“We wanted to compete and that’s the main objective today. We’re lucky we got the victory,” he added.

Wuysang, who is also a champion and an MVP in the Asean Basketball League, noted that it also helps playing in a place that reminded him of home.

“I know the Philippines, they love basketball. It’s kind of like home for me coming back here. I have so many friends here. It’s always comfortable for me to play here,” he said.