Vietnam advances to Semi-Finals with Philippines despite loss, tough Thailand women's stay undefeated

MANILA (Philippines) - Despite loss, Vietnam advance to a historic trip to the men’s basketball Semi-finals in the SEA Games along with hosts Philippines out of Group A. Over in Group B, Malaysia keep their hopes of proceeding to the next round alive with a win.

Meanwhile, the Thailand women’s basketball team continues strong start with a second consecutive win to stay undefeated.

The first two games of the day had neighboring countries Singapore and Malaysia score comfortable wins by large margins.

Singapore easily beat Myanmar to get their first win at the competition, 102-62. Promising youngster Vignesh Rengarajan enjoyed 31 minutes of playing time and responded with a whopping 30 points and 5 assists in the victory.

After a slow start in the first quarter which ended up tied at 14, Malaysia broke away in the second half to reach the century mark in a 100-64 win over Cambodia. Wong Yi Hou recorded 32 points in just 25 minutes of play on 52.2 percent shooting from the field.

The win sets up an important game against Thailand for Malaysia, a matchup in which their chances to move on to the Semi-finals will be on the line.

In women’s basketball, Thailand overcame a late 8-point deficit with a 16-9 fourth quarter to go away with a 67-58 win. Indonesia had built up momentum in the second half but the Thais stormed back, once again on the marvelous play of Tiffany Bias who ended up with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists.

Atchara Kaichaiyaporn reclaim the lead for Thailand with two free-throws just before the end of the third quarter and they never looked back until the final buzzer.

Hosts Philippines closed the action in the day with a crushing win over the previously undefeated Vietnam national team, 110-69.

All players were able to get on the scoreboard this time for the Philippines, led by June Mar Fajardo who had 23 points and 12 rebounds.

Chris Dierker was the main man for Vietnam and had a big game of 28 points, but it was far from enough to take down the regional giants.

Nonetheless, both Vietnam and the Philippines will advance on to the Semi-finals of men’s basketball at the SEA Games.

FIBA