Philippines Para 3x3 thwarts Indonesia

Naghanap ng mapapasahan si Pinoy 3x3 para cager Rene Macabenguil laban sa depensa ng Indonesia sa Asean Para Games.
APG Media Pool

PHNOM PENH — Inspired by Gilas Pilipinas’ memorable Southeast Asian Games victory just a month ago, the Philippines turned back Indonesia, 11-5, in men’s 3x3 basketball yesterday to kick off the country’s ambitious bid in the 12th ASEAN Para Games at the Elephant Hall A here.

Prolific Kenneth Tapia and burly Alfie Cabanog took charge and led the way with five and four points, respectively, in turning back the Indonesians, who forced a 5-5 deadlock but faltered facing the Filipinos’ lockdown defense late.

The Filipinos, who include Clifford Trocino, JR Escalante and Rene Macabenguil, were scheduled to face the host Cambodians, defending champion Thais, and the Malaysians later in the day hoping to deliver the country’s first medal – hopefully a gold – in this biennial meet.

The same 3x3 cast will see action in the 5x5 unfolding tomorrow at the same venue where they hope to reprise Gilas Pilipinas’ golden reign in the SEA Games last month.

“Hopefully, mag gold din kami,” said team captain Macabenguil, whose squad delivered a silver in 3x3 and 5x5 in Surakarta last year.

Surakarta quadruple gold medalist Sander Severino, meanwhile, will spearhead the league of extraordinary gentlemen and women eyeing to replicate their 10-gold harvest a year ago as rapid chess unfurls today at the Royal University.

On the same day, the weeklong sporting spectacle will officially kick off in a grand opening ceremony that will see a colorful parade of the 11 participating nations including the proud Philippine team vying in 12 disciplines.

And then action will get into full swing Monday, with the centerpiece track and field and medal-rich swimming to be played at the sprawling Morodok Techo National Stadium.

Twenty-three Filipinos wage war at the track and 12 tankers plunge into action in the pool with hopes of matching, if not surpassing, the harvest of six and 12 mints, respectively, last time.

Over at the track, a whopping 12 golds will be staked right on Day One.

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