NANAN, China — The Philippines Burlington-Bestank team proved too strong, too classy for Singapore and came away with an inspiring 79-60 victory at the start of the 10th Zheng Chenggong Cup international Invitational men’s basketball championship.

Michael Williams powered his way to a double-double in points and rebounds, Raymond Edward Miller came through with his usual big numbers and James Martinez found his shooting touch early as the Filipinos led three other opening-day winners.

Williams, the hulking 7- 2 behemoth from Great Britain who came all the way from Thailand to join the team as import only last Thursday, played hard enough against the smaller and less-experienced Singaporean side and finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists

Miller added 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Martinez contributed 10 points, Marc John Sabado had nine points and former CESAFI Rookie-MVP Wowie Escosio had seven points in the Filipinos’ day of triumph in this prestigious, week-long competition held in honor of national hero Gen. Zheng Chenggong.

Playing assistant coach Brian Ilad finished with six points, five rebounds and three assists.

“It’s a good win. Singapore gave us a good fight, especially in the early goings. Pinaghandaan nila talaga tayo,” said Philippines Burlington-Bestank coach Johny Tam after the game.

“But there’s no time to relax dahil nga one week tournament lang ito. Now we have to prepare for our next two games against Macau and defending champion Chinese-Taipei, which are both a lot taller and faster than Singapore,” added Tam, who is being assisted by coach Charlie Bustos.

Tam, who is seeking to win his third championship in as many tries here in this marble-producing city on the southeast coasts of China, said he is satisfied with the performances of his two imports –Williams and Miller — who helped the Filipinos stave off repeated comebacks by the Tong Whye Physical Association-supported Singaporeans.

But Tam said he expects to get more from his local players, especially point guard Raphy Reyes, who had six assists despite playing with the flu.

“Kailangan natin talaga si Raphy against Macau on Sunday and Chinese-Taipei. He is the stabilizer for the team.”

Overall, the Filipinos made 26-of-51 shots for 51 percent against the Singaporeans’ 15-of-38 for 39.5 percent.

The Filipinos, who are being supported by PG Flex Linoleum, Healthy Options, Victory Candles and Philippine Airlines, also had more rebounds, 52-33, and more assists, 38-24.

Among those present to cheer the Filipinos are businessman-sportsman and head of delegation Alvin Tai Lian of Bestank, deputy head of delegation Tai Si Ming, chef de mission Ret. PNP Gen. Noel Estanislao and Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) secretary-general Graham Lim.

Chinese-Taipei, represented this time by the Taiwan Yulong team, overcame moments of complacency to roll back Macau, 77-68, in the other Group A encounter and share the early lead with the Philippines.

In Group B, host Nanan routed Maldives, 110-/8, and Malaysia outlasted Indonesia, 64-59.

The top two teams after the group play will advance to the crossover semis to determine the two finalists for the winner-take-all title showdown.

The tournament formally opened late Saturday with Nanan deputy vice mayor Qiu Xue Liang in attendance.

Dragon Dance performances by Nanan school children and a fireworks display capped the grand opening ceremony.

The scores:

Philippines Burlington-Bestank (79) — Williams 25, Miller 10, Martinez 10, Sabado 9, Escosio 7, Ilad 6, Camacho 5, Alano 4, Tam 2, Wong 1, Reyes 0.

Singapore (60)– Zhen Yu Hu 25, Lavin15 , J. Kai En 6, J. Chan 4, G. Layuan 4, S. Deen 3, H. R. Wen 3, Piliay 0, Chua 0, T. Chan 0.

Quarterscores: 25-12, 44-31, 62-44, 79- 60.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ed Andaya