MANILA – The Philippines completed a 5-0 sweep of Indonesia in the FIBA Esports Open after a 71-35 rout to finish their five-game series on Sunday night.
Already clinching the Southeast Asian Conference title the night prior, the Filipino side still went for broke in the final game, although it had to repulse Indonesia late in Game 5.
The Indons played their best first half in the series, even taking a 14-9 lead early in the second quarter.
"Doon sa first quarter, feeling ko nag-adjust 'yung Indonesia, (I felt that in the first quarter, Indonesia adjusted)," small forward Custer Galas said.
It was evident as the Indons actually emulated some of the Filipinos' plays in the first four games.
However, it was all Philippines from thereon, ending the first half on a 13-2 blast before pulling away in the second half.
"After the [first] half, nakapag-adjust kami sa depensa nila at 'yung mga ginagawa nila. In-adjust namin 'yung depensa, kaya nakalayo kami (After the first half, we adjusted to their defense and their plays. We adjusted our defense, so we got to pull away," added Galas, the team's defensive anchor.
While Galas' stat line of eight points, two rebounds, and five assists are not as glaring as that of the likes of Rial Polog and Aljon Cruzin, Galas' lockdown defense on the Indons set the tone for the Filipinos, earning him Best Player honors. (PNA)
