GILAS Pilipinas got key productions from its bench to post a 74-57 win over pesky Singapore on Monday and remain unbeaten two games into its campaign in the Fiba Asia Cup in Wuhan, China.
National coach Chot Reyes opted to give starters led by naturalized center Marcus Douthit, LA Tenorio, Gary David and Ranidel de Ocampo more time to rest while giving Gilas cadets Kevin Alas and Garvo Lanete as well as June Mar Fajardo and even Beau Belga the chance to shine.
They didn't disappoint as the reserves put together an 18-8 bomb midway through the final period capped by Lanete’s three-pointer that put the game beyond doubt, 67-45.
Paul Lee and Gary David, both heroes in the national squad’s tournament opening 78-64 victory over Chinese Taipei on Saturday, once again led Gilas with 10 points each.
Belga added eight points and seven rebounds, while Lanete and Japeth Aguilar chipped in seven points, apiece.
PBA MVP Fajardo, who only played six minutes in a foul-plagued debut against the Taiwanese, finished with five points and six rebounds.
Gilas managed to trim its turnovers by more than half from 26 against Chinese Taipei to just 12 versus Singapore.
The Filipinos will try to sweep their Group B assignment on Tuesday when they clash with Jordan, which is now mentored by former Gilas coach Rajko Toroman.
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