Defending champion Philippines smash Singapore at SEA Games basketball opener

Defending champions the Philippines destroyed Singapore by 110-58 at the opening matchday of Southeast Asian (SEA) Games men's basketball here on Wednesday.

The hosts had a prolific first quarter leading by 30-13, and scored 48 points before the blowing of halftime whistle, enlarging their lead to 20 points and never looked back.

The five-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) MVP June Fajardo started to shine at the second half, founding his groove in the final two quarters where he scored eight of his 12 points, alongside six rebounds and two assists.

The hosts' Vic Manuel and Troy Rosario put the finishing touches and mauled the Philippines to swell the lead to its highest at 52 in the final spread, entertaining some thousands of attendances in the Mall of Asian Arena in Manila.

Rosario finished with a game-high 15 points and eight rebounds while the 32-year-old shooter Stanley Pringle bagged 14 points and five assists.

In Wednesday's other games, Vietnam hammered Myanmar 131-52, Thailand beat Indonesia 98-76.

Group A of the event is comprised of Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore and the Philippines. While Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysian and Cambodia are situated in Group B.

The champions and runners-up in each group will qualify for semifinals that will kick off on December 9.

The Southeast Asian basketball powerhouses the Philippines claimed 17 championships of the SEA Games men's basketball event in 19 appearances.