THE Philippines methodically beat Indonesia, 76-51, on Friday to carry a 5-0 won-lost record ahead of an expectedly fiery return match with a South Korea side Gilas Pilipinas forced limping in the third and final window of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup Qualifiers.
There was hardly any real scary moment for Gilas Pilipinas, which showed no complacency at all following its 81-78 backbreaker of a win against South Korea two nights ago.
If an Ateneo guard turned hero against the Koreans, a De La Salle center made his presence felt this time against the Indonesians.
Justin Baltazar fell one rebound short of a double-double to complement his 11 points he laced with one block. Ange Kouame added 11 points and five rebounds to lead the Filipinos’ unbeaten run at the Angeles University Foundation Gym bubble.
Dwight Ramos, the top scorer with 16 points against the Koreans, still looked consistent with 10 points, 12 rebounds and three steals. RJ Abarrientos tallied nine points and six assists.
Indonesia could stayed within striking distance until early in the third quarter, 31-35.
That was the best the Indonesians could muster as the hosts scored 13 straight points behind tall men Kouame and Kai Sotto for a 48-31 cushion with 2:17 left in the game.
The game never changed its complexion the rest of the way.
Naturalized player Lester Prosper scored 22 points and had eight rebounds for Indonesia, which dropped to a 1-4 = record.
The Philippines and South Korea will close things out in what could be a grudge match for the Koreans (3-1) at 3 p.m. on Sunday,.
Both countries already qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup in Jakarta from August 17 to 29.
Earlier, Japan (2-1) defeated Chinese-Taipei (1-3), 98-61, in a Group B duel.