Gilas Pilipinas unleashed another explosive performance on Monday, blasting Indonesia, 97-70, to advance in the finals of the 30th Southeast Asian Games men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Chris Ross, who was hardly a factor offensively in the group stage, regained his shooting touch in the third quarter to spar the Nationals' 39-point explosion and extend a close 43-37 lead into an insurmountable 33-point advantage entering the fourth quarter.
The two-time PBA Defensive Player of the Year eventually finish with 11 points that went with his six assists and five rebounds.
Backcourt partner Stanley Pringle accounted for nine points, three boards, and two steals.
Gilas Pilipinas choking press in the second half practically broke the game wide open.
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The Nationals seek their 18th gold medal in the biennial tournament against Thailand on Tuesday.
The Indons, coached by Serbian Rajko Toroman, gave the Nationals some scary moments but were simply no match against the skills and depth of Gilas PIlipinas.
Christian Standhardinger produced 14 points, four rebounds, two assists for the Philippines.
"We've been talking about not looking past Indonesia and into the Finals, yet we still did," rued coach Tim Cone as the Rajko Toroman-mentored opposition gave the Philippines all it could handle in the first half.
"We just took things more seriously after the break and I'm just grateful that these players took this challenge seriously."
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Matthew Wright shot 3-of-7 from rainbow country and finished with 13 points, eight assists, and four rebounds as the hosts went 16-of-40 from beyond the arc.
Juan Laurent Kokodiputra carried Indonesia with 20 points on a 6-of-13 shooting from deep. The 2017 silver medalists have been relegated to the bronze medal game against Vietnam. (RL) / Photo: Marlo Cueto (spin.ph)
The Scores:
PHILIPPINES 97 -- Standhardinger 14, Wright 13, Manuel 12, Ross 11, Pringle 9, Fajardo 9, Lassiter 7, Rosario 7, Aguilar 6, Slaughter 6, Ravena 2, Tenorio 1.
INDONESIA 70 -- Kokodiputra 20, Grahita 14, Dhyaksa 11, Joni 11, Gemilang 6, Sitorus 4, Oei 2, Kokasih 2, Lakudu 0, Wicaksono 0.
Quarters: 24-20, 39-28, 78-45, 97-70.
