Pinoy cagers in rousing debut

KUALA LUMPUR (Via Globe Telecoms) — Despite the BAP leadership dispute rearing its ugly head again hours before the match, the Philippine men’s basketball team buckled down to work and opened its campaign to win the SEA Games gold with a 112-74 thrashing of Indonesia last night at the MABA Stadium in the China Town here.

Romel Adducul, Eddie Laure and Jomar Tierra all scored 17 points or more as the Nationals easily overcame the Indons in winning the first of five victories they need to gain their sixth straight SEAG title since the 1989 debacle in the same venue.

Adducul and Laure imposed their strength at the paint, combining for 39 points and 18 rebounds, while Tierra, a late addition to the team, sizzled from the long court with three triples with Rueben dela Rosa adding 11 points and Chris Calaguio 10.

The Nationals started strong and finished the contest in full control as they dominated the Indons before a big crow of cheering Filipinos led by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

It was a sweet, decisive victory for the Nationals although they nearly didn't make it ot the game due to an accreditiation snafu involving BAP head Tiny Literal.

The FIBA-recognized BAP president threatened to pull out the Nationals from the competition if he’s not granted his accreditation card here.

Apparently, he was appeased later after a talk with former PSC commissioner and now Negros Occidental House Representative Monico Puentevella. He watched the game sitting beside PSC chairman Butch Tuason on the team bench, wearing the accreditation card of PSC commissioner William Ramirez.

Literal was heard on the top of his voice saying he’ll bring up the matter with the First Gentleman if the leaders of the RP delegation didn’t stop from harassing him.