Smart-Gilas RP developmental team, getting huge numbers from American CJ Giles, downed the Singapore Slingers, 70-67, in an exhibition match Wednesday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The 6-foot-10 Giles imposed his will inside the paint to finish in double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds while controversial player Japeth Aguilar added 14 points with four boards. The two also posted two blocks.

The Slingers, composed of locals and two imports, are fine-tuning for the coming ASEAN Basketball League – a home-and-away tournament which starts on October 10.

Former La Salle stalwart JV Casio contributed 10 points, while ex-Far Eastern University teammates Mac Baracael and Mark Barroca, and one-time Ateneo skipper Chris Tiu combined for 23 points for Gilas.

Even with the win, Gilas’ Serbian mentor Rajko Toroman was not so happy, saying his players, particularly Giles, need to improve.

The 6-foot-10 Giles, a former draft pick of the Los Angeles Lakers, signed a one-year contract with Gilas after he agreed to go through the naturalization process to play for the Nationals in various international events.

Fil-Aussies Sebastian Salinas and Matthew Schmechtig also played well despite being new to the team.

Slingers’ import Kyle Jeffers led Singapore with 20 points, while Filipino guard Al Vergara had seven points for the host team.