Gilas Cadets start SEABA bid in style

Game Today (Stadium 29, Bangkok) 5 p.m. – Singapore vs Philippines

Former UAAP rivals Troy Rosario and Mac Belo led the Gilas Cadets to a breezy 108-84 victory over Malaysia on Sunday at the start of the SEABA Stankovic Cup at the Stadium 29 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rosario scored a team-high 19 points, most of them in the first half where the Philippines opened a 12point cushion. Belo led a spirited third quarter attack to finish with 16 markers to open their title bid on a high note.

The Gilas Cadets aim for their second win today when they take on Singapore at 5 p.m. Manila time (4 p.m. local time).

One of two PBA players allowed to play in the tournament, Rosario, currently a rookie for Tropang TNT, also grabbed eight rebounds and missed all but one of his nine attempts from the field.

Belo, on the other hand, was also efficient from the field by making six of seven shots.

Gilas’ biggest lead came at 6949 midway in the third after hiking a nine-point spread in the same period, with Far Eastern University standouts Mike Tolomia and Raymar Jose and Arellano star Jiovanni Jalalon providing backup.

The Philippines continued to pounce on the Malaysians and eventually took a 90-62 lead, the biggest of the night, following a Roger Pogoy three-pointer with 7:18 left in the game.

Tolomia finished with 13 points and four assists, Kevin Ferrer had a 12 points while Jalalon finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jose had nine points and 15 rebounds.