PHILIPPINE men’s 3x3 team jumpstarted its 30th Southeast Asian Games medal quest on a high note after sweeping its first two games on Sunday at the Arena in San Juan City.
The nationals took down Indonesia, 21-17, before dominating the paint against Myanmar for a 21-10 victory for a rousing start in the inaugural 3x3 tournament of the biennial meet.
Jason Perkins led the Pinoys in scoring, delivering nine points highlighted by three straight clutch baskets against the Indonesians, before putting up 10 markers against Myanmar.
CJ Perez averaged seven points in the first two games.
The top four from the seven-team field play in the crossover semifinals on Monday.
Philippines had slow start in its first game, trailing Indonesia, 0-4, but recovered quickly as Perez caught fire to put the home team ahead 16-12.
Back-to-back long range shots from Indonesians tied it at 16.
Chris Newsome stopped the bleeding and Perkins provided the finishing touches with three straight points and a match-winning assist to Perez.
The Nationals, also featuring Mo Tautuaa, showed no mercy in the second game and dominated the paint to send Myanmar to its second loss in three matches.
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