HAAD TAI CITY, Thailand — The NBC-Nature’s Spring Selection stepped up its title campaign in the 9th Crown Prince Cup invitational basketball tournament Sunday by whipping Singapore’s national team, 81-66, at the Jiranakorn indoor stadium here.
With their second straight win, the Filipinos, composed of the best players from Tribu Sugbu, Mantawi and Laguna Spring, are now tied for the lead with host Thailand, which toppled South Korea, 90-82, in the other game.
Marvin Tundag waxed hot from the perimeter to spark the Filipino’s triumph in the five-team cagefest with 20 points. Mel Latoreno and Marlon Kalaw ably backed him up with 14 and 11 markers, respectively.
The NBC-Nature’s Spring five opened its campaign here Saturday with a 90-78 conquest of HK’s national team.
"Our boys played an inspired game,’’ said Tribu’s coach Al Solis. His co-mentor, Jun Noel, added: "We’re looking great. I think we have a good shot at the title.’’
Sponsored by Nature’s Spring and backed by Hapee Toothpaste, Dewfoam, Skygo Motorcycles, Sirlitz, Spring Cooking Oil, Mandaue Mayor Teddy Ouano and Laguna Gov. Teresita "Ningning’’ Lazaro, the Filipinos exploded with 33 points in the third quarter to rip the contest wide open, 61-45, after barely inching ahead 14-11 and 28-27 in the first 20 minutes.
NBC president Nathaniel "Tac’’ Padilla congratulated coaches Solis and Noel and told them to "go for the title’’ in a text message from Manila.
NBC 81 —
Tundag 20, Latoreno 14, Kalaw 11, Daa 8, Mangubat 5, Briones 5, Larong 4, Domingo 4, Villamin 4, Huelar 3, Almacin 3
Singapore 66 — Yuh 15, Matialakan 13, Ren 11, Jie 10, Koon 8, Liang 4, Leng 3, Ilong 2
Quarters: 14-11, 28-27, 61-45, 81-66
