#SEAGames2019: Gilas Men overpower Vietnam for second straight win

PASAY CITY -- Host nation Philippines were made to work by Vietnam before a change of gear at the restart propelled them to a 110-69 rout Friday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena as the third gameday of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games wrapped up its schedule.

Coach Tim Cone's Gilas Men was made to scamper in the first half by the enterprising visitors, before going on the afterburners for their second straight beatdown assuring them a place in the semifinals with a game to spare in group A.

Junemar Fajardo had made mincemeat of Vietnam’s defense, firing in a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds for the overlords of Southeast Asian basketball as half of the squad hit double-digit scores for the entire game.

Vic Manuel and LA Tenorio had half of Gilas' bench production with 14 a piece, a proof that the depth was there.

Vietnam were paced by Chris Dierker, who lead all scorers with 28 points, but the disparity in quality between the two sides are a galaxy apart so to speak, with Gilas almost making half of their shots.

A shot by the Saigon Heat star pushed Vietnam into a four-point scare, but once Gilas went to work, they could not be stopped.

It was 52-40 at the half when the SEA Games hosts went to work in the third, firing in a 10-0 start to get the fight out of Vietnam's reach.

A short jumper by Marcio Lassiter gave them the biggest lead at 110-66 with 1:47 to go, as the Philippines made the shaded lane look easy by scoring 60 compared to  a measly 22 for the visitors.