Gilas opens SEAG campaign with crushing win against Singapore

By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Tim Cone and the Gilas Pilipinas started their 2019 Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball bid with a drubbing victory against Singapore, 110-58.

Cone’s brand of offense seemed to work perfectly for the Gilas squad, as the triangle attack Cone is known for resulted in a free-flowing movement that racked up the assist totals for PH.

Stanley Pringle shot the ball efficiently in the first canto, starting the ball game with a 5-5 shooting from the field, torching the Singaporean defense that met him every time he soared for a put-back.

Pringle finished the game with an efficient 14 points that started the offensive avalanche for the Gilas squad.

Singapore had no answer underneath as June Mar Fajardo and Troy Rosario dominated in the paint and out-muscled the Singaporeans.

SEAG and national team first-timer Chris Ross did not score but proved to be an effective floor general for Gilas as he contributed 10 dimes and became the defensive leader, communicating well during switches and reading picks correctly.

The offensive clinic Gilas put up in their opening game abled all except Ross to score, with five players scoring in double digits.