BANTING CITY, Malaysia – Energen Pilipinas overcame a slow start to crush Laos, 101-57, and move a win shy from completing a sweep of the first Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Under-16 Championship for Men at the Kuala Langat gym here.
Arvin Tolentino came through with a double-double effort of 30 points and 18 rebounds as the Filipinos handed Laos its third straight defeat in the five-nation tournament.
Despite their third win in as many games, national coach Olsen Racela was far from being impressed.
“The boys were not mentally prepared and focused in this game,” Racela said. “Skill-wise, we have the edge, but in terms of hard work, Laos beat us in the first half. It’s a good thing they picked up their game in the second half.”
Daryl Pascual and Henry Asilum contributed 14 points each while Kyles Lao proved to be a terror in the shaded lane as he grabbed 10 boards for the Nationals, who can complete a four-game sweep when they take on Singapore at 7 p.m. today.
Humbled by Singapore and Indonesia, Laos fought bravely this time in the hope of pulling an upset. They succeeded early by coming through with long bombs but faded in the face of the Nationals’ stifling defense.
When the Filipinos regained their rhythm, Tolentino, Asilum, Rev Diputado and Hubert Cani conspired in a 20-9 run for a 48-32 halftime lead.